The 16th National Voters’ Day (NVD) was celebrated on 25th January 2026 at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda, with a State-level function organized by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa, in association with the District Election Officer, South Goa. The programme highlighted the theme “My India, My Vote – Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy”, focusing on electoral awareness, ethical participation and inclusive democratic engagement.
The Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Hon’ble Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, attended as Guest of Honour. Shri Menino D’Souza, IAS (Retd.), Hon’ble State Election Commissioner, Goa, was present as Special Invitee.
The Hon’ble Governor arrived at the venue at 11:00 a.m. and visited the Selfie Stand and SVEEP Gallery before being escorted to the auditorium. The programme commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the welcome address by Dr. Sanjay Goel, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer, Goa. A video message from the Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, was screened thereafter. The event featured a welcome song performed by PES College of Arts and Science, Farmagudi, Ponda, a skit on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) performed by GVM College of Commerce and Economics, Ponda and Dekhni Folk Dance performed by the group of Saraswati Kala Mandal, Curti, Ponda. After the lighting of the traditional lamp and floral welcome of dignitaries, newly enrolled voters were felicitated at the hands of the Hon’ble Governor.
On the occasion, National Voters’ Day Awards were presented in recognition of exemplary service in electoral duties. The Best District Election Officer (DEO) Award was conferred upon Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector & District Election Officer, South Goa. The Best Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Award was awarded to Mr. Manohar L. Karekar, Dy. Collector & Sub-Divisional Officer, Quepem, and ERO for 36–Quepem, while the Best Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) Award was presented to Mr. Vishnu M. Rane, Joint Mamlatdar-I, Sattari Taluka, and AERO of 18–Poriem AC. Ms. Sonia Shirsat and Mr. Taha Haziq were honoured as State Election Icons. The Best Booth Level Officer (South) Award was conferred upon Mrs. Poornima P. Gaonkar, BLO of Part No. 46, 40–Canacona AC, and the Best Booth Level Officer (North) Award upon Mr. Sunny Mangueshkar, BLO of Part No. 12, 14–St. Andre AC.
Under SVEEP activities, prizes were awarded for competitions organised by the CEO’s Office. In the Reel Competition on SIR-2026, Mr. Faizdaan Farid Akabani won first prize, followed by Mr. Akshay Amrut Volvoikar (second prize) and Ms. Asmi Banaulikar (third prize). In the Selfie Competition on SIR-2026, Ms. Saloni Mandrekar secured first prize, Ms. Carmin D’Souza second prize and Mr. Elton Dylan D’Silva third prize.
The Voter’s Pledge was administered by the Hon’ble Governor of Goa. The programme concluded with an address by the Hon’ble Governor, followed by a vote of thanks by the Collector and District Election Officer, South Goa and the National Anthem.
