On March 16, 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI), in a landmark collaboration with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), orchestrated an Exhibition Cricket Match that brought together teams from the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) and the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). Held at New Delhi’s Karnail Singh Stadium, this event aimed to underscore the importance of voter education through the spirit of inclusivity and sportsmanship.
Para Archer Sheetal Devi Honored as ECI’s National PwD Icon
In a significant announcement made during the event, Ms. Sheetal Devi, an accomplished para-archer and recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award, was named the National Icon for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by the ECI. This move highlights the commission’s dedication to promoting electoral participation among voters with disabilities.
Esteemed Guests and a Message of Inclusion
The match was attended by notable figures including Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, who took the opportunity to commend the players and reinforce the ECI’s commitment to inclusivity. The event also saw participation from former Indian cricketer Nikhil Chopra, among other dignitaries.
A Symbolic Victory for Inclusivity
With an enthusiastic audience of 2500, including many Persons with Disabilities and young voters, the match was more than a game; it was a celebration of unity and inclusiveness. The DDCA emerged victorious with a score of 190/5 to IDCA’s 121/8, but the true winner was the message of participation and the joy of voting, encapsulated in the slogan, ‘Nothing like voting, I vote for sure.’
A Musical Finale and a Guide for Voter Accessibility
The event wrapped up with a performance by the ‘Shining Star Music Band’, featuring visually impaired artists, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Furthermore, the ECI launched a Voter’s Guide for PwDs and Senior Citizen Electors. This guide details the various accommodations and procedures in place to ensure an accessible and enjoyable voting experience for all, emphasizing the ECI’s ongoing efforts to ensure every vote counts.
