Sat Dec 07 10:22:54 UTC 2024: ## Unsung Heroes of Indian Democracy Awarded “Indian of the Year”
**NEW DELHI** – NDTV has honored the unsung heroes of India’s elections – polling booth workers – with its prestigious “Indian of the Year” award for 2024. These individuals, who often face extreme challenges to ensure every citizen can vote, were represented at the ceremony by seven exceptional individuals from across the country.
The awardees included Radha, a transgender polling officer from Chennai; Antiya Minz, a booth-level officer from Maoist-affected Jharkhand; Rahila Rafique from Jammu and Kashmir; Suraj Singh, a presiding officer who navigated treacherous glacial terrain in Jammu and Kashmir; T Rama Rao, a presiding officer who reached remote island polling stations by boat; Tikaish Kumar Sahu, a presiding officer who worked amidst Maoist activity in Chhattisgarh; and Chelo Lima, a presiding officer from Arunachal Pradesh.
Their stories highlight the extraordinary lengths these workers go to. Sahu described trekking through dense jungles under the surveillance of Maoist drones to achieve a 71% voter turnout in Chhattisgarh. Minz recounted traveling 20 km across streams to reach her polling booth in a similarly challenging area. Rao detailed using boats to reach the Onge tribe in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, achieving a remarkable 94% voter turnout despite the logistical and cultural hurdles. Singh’s team trekked 17 km across glaciers and snowy terrain in Jammu and Kashmir to conduct their poll.
Radha emphasized the importance of inclusion in a successful democracy, highlighting the need for greater participation from the transgender community. The collective experiences of these individuals showcase the dedication and resilience required to uphold the democratic process in India’s diverse and geographically challenging landscape. Their award serves as a powerful recognition of their crucial contribution to the world’s largest democracy.
First Piper 