Jovan Thomas, Pune
Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar is set to be designated as a “national icon” by the Election Commission (EC) on August 23, a distinction aimed at encouraging voter engagement and fostering greater involvement in the electoral procedure. The event for his designation is scheduled to be held at the Rang Bhawan Auditorium in New Delhi.
An official agreement will be formalised between Tendulkar and the Election Commission, sealing their collaborative efforts. The alliance is slated to last over three years, during which Tendulkar will assume a crucial role in heightening voter consciousness. The Election Commission shared its conviction that this partnership will utilise Tendulkar’s unparalleled influence, particularly among the younger generation, ultimately amplifying voter participation during the forthcoming elections, including the pivotal 2024 general elections for the Lok Sabha.
At its core, this collaboration seeks to address the prevailing challenges of voter apathy prevalent among urban residents and the youth demographic. With a consistent strategy of enlisting distinguished figures from diverse spheres as ‘national icons’, the Election Commission is keen on leveraging their eminence to ignite and inspire citizens, actively involving them in the democratic process.
The commission granted the honor of a national icon to actor Pankaj Tripathi the previous year. Noteworthy as well is the 2019 Lok Sabha elections period, when illustrious personalities like MS Dhoni, Aamir Khan, and Mary Kom were designated as national icons, which showcased the Election Commission’s persistent commitment to enlisting influential figures in the pursuit of bolstering civic engagement.
Throughout Tendulkar’s long and successful career, he represented India in six World Cups, including the 2011 World Cup, which India won. As a Bharat Ratna awardee, his status as a national icon will further increase his national significance.