PM urges first-time voters to register at 18, calls it a milestone for Indian democracy

A National Voters’ Day message timed with Republic Day week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat to make a direct appeal to eligible young citizens: register as voters immediately on turning 18 and treat that moment as a public celebration of democratic participation.

Speaking on 25 January, observed as National Voters’ Day in India, Modi framed voting as a core civic duty and described the voter as central to democratic life. He also pointed to the next day’s Republic Day celebrations—26 January—as a reminder of constitutional values and the legacy of those who shaped the Constitution.

Why the PM called voter registration a ‘big milestone’

The Prime Minister said that turning 18 is often treated as an ordinary stage in life, but becoming a voter should be seen differently because it marks an entry into the country’s democratic decision-making. He urged families and communities to encourage young voters and help them see elections not as distant events, but as a direct way to shape the nation’s future.

The emphasis on early registration was presented as part of strengthening India’s democracy—making sure first-time voters are enrolled on time and feel welcomed into the system rather than disengaged from it.

What citizens can do now

• If you are turning 18 soon, check your eligibility timeline and complete the voter registration process early.
• If you are a parent, teacher, or community volunteer, help first-time voters understand how registration works and why it matters.
• Use National Voters’ Day as a prompt to verify your own voter details and correct any errors well ahead of elections.

The broader point of the address was simple: India’s democratic strength depends on everyday participation, and voter registration is the first step that enables a citizen’s voice to count.