“Democracy Connect Club”
(Electoral Literacy Club at TKM Institute of Management)
Objectives of the Democracy Connect Club
To create awareness among students, faculty, and the community about the importance of voting and democratic participation.
- To encourage ethical voting practices and foster a sense of responsibility toward the electoral process.
- To engage underrepresented groups in the electoral process, including marginalized communities, youth, and senior citizens.
- To facilitate voter registration among students and the local community.
- To support democratic values through socially relevant projects, research, and awareness initiatives.
1. Establishment of the Club
The TKM Institute of Management established the “Democracy Connect Club” as its Electoral Literacy Club (ELC). The club aimed to spread awareness about the “Right to Vote” among students, faculty members, and residents of Cheerankavu village.
2. Appointment of Co-ordinators and Functionality
Prof. Shajin P. was appointed as the faculty co-ordinator, along with student co-ordinators who played a pivotal role in executing the club’s activities. The club became operational and representative in character, actively engaging with students and the community to fulfill its objectives.
3. Innovative Programmes and Initiatives
The Democracy Connect Club conducted various initiatives, including:
- A voter awareness camp in the college and Cheerankavu village.
- Activities encouraging the public to enroll in the electoral roll.
- Programs to promote ethical voting and increase participation among underprivileged groups such as transgender individuals, disabled persons, commercial sex workers, and senior citizens.
4. Socially Relevant Projects and Initiatives
The club undertook several projects to advance democratic values, including:
- Awareness drives on the importance of ethical voting.
- Engagement with youth to encourage voter enrollment.
- Surveys to identify gaps in voter registration.
- Development of educational materials and content to promote electoral participation.
5. Voter Registration Drives
The club organized a voter registration drive on campus, targeting students above 18 years who had not yet registered as voters. Collaborative efforts with local election authorities ensured streamlined registration processes, providing students with necessary resources and information about deadlines and procedures