What is the experience of being tattooed for the first time like

We learned from our social science instructor that voting is not only our right, but also our obligation. Even if at the time I was unaware of how serious this was, I am now more conscious. I like to see elections positively and think they have the power to transform our society. I am aware that this is a rather idealized viewpoint. I am excited to cast my first vote since it allows me to contribute to the democratic process in India. In other words, a dream come true. This election, in my opinion, represents a turning point in history, and we are living in a time of change. I have chosen to support the party since it is superior in this regard. Among the few alternatives available to us, my philosophy is to choose the one that is least harmful.

Student Jeeba Surgi, age 22, from Thiruvananthapuram

I will cast my first ballot this year. During the assembly elections, I was unable to cast my ballot. I want to avoid squandering my franchise. I have the right to do so. I have been following the major talking points of the election as well as the present political atmosphere. My desire is to live in a secular nation and to play a part in its establishment. I’m not happy with any of the options, therefore I’ll probably vote for NOTA. It’s how I disagree with the political parties, that’s why.

20-year-old Kannur student Bahira K

I believe secular and democratic attitudes are eroding in our nation. Politics has become more brutal, with those in positions of authority use all the tools at their disposal—including government agencies—to silence the critics. Neither the governing party nor the main opposition parties have any leaders who I believe are qualified. What the MPs have done in the past serves as my guidance. My intention is not to support the politics of hatred. I’m giving careful thought to who I will vote for on election day.

Student Kesav Siju, 18, from T’Puram

A lot of young people are aware of the national issues. Some avoid politics because they feel that the politicians and their policies do not meet their requirements. Having said that, we are all quite political. Although Thiruvananthapuram is a stronghold of the Tharoors, I believe that there will be changes soon. I now know of the effort that Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP candidate, has undertaken. The Narendra Modi aspect is also not negotiable. I’m eager to vote in this important election that’s coming up.

Student Sreya R. Nair, 19, from Palakkad

Since I have no interest in politics, I have no feelings about the impending elections. I live in Ernakulam, but I vote in Palakkad, therefore my knowledge of the candidates is limited. I believe that voting on party ideologies is preferable than choosing a candidate based on their personal qualities. The Left appeals to me more.

Thiruvananthapuram student Abhinand S. S., 20,

An important theme this election season is Ram Mandir. But in my opinion, the temple shouldn’t be used for political purposes. In my constituency, the same candidate has been victorious for the last fifteen years. A new MP wouldn’t bother me. The candidate with whom I agree the most will get my vote. My vote for NOTA will not be wasted.

Sharat Nair, a 24-year-old IT specialist from Thiruvananthapuram

I always believed that one vote would not be enough to bring about any meaningful change, therefore I never wanted to cast one. I will cast a ballot this time because I am happy with the current administration and want it to stay that way. It is difficult for the party to win in Kerala. Why not, therefore, if my vote may help them? For this reason, I’ll be traveling to Kerala from my Bengaluru place of employment.

Student Saarika T. S., 23, from Perumbavoor

My biggest problem right now is being unemployed. My buddies and most other young people are traveling overseas. I’m hoping that this election will result in improvements. Despite my own political inclinations, I will be voting for NOTA this time.

Kochi student Merin Rose Bijoy, age twenty

When all I hear about is corruption and parties that just care about themselves, I find it difficult to be engaged in the voting process. None of these seem to be beneficial to the populace. I find the dearth of real alternatives concerning. I’m thinking about supporting NOTA.

Student Nima B M, 18, from Thiruvananthapuram

I’ve already made up my mind who to support. I oppose assaults or discrimination on the basis of religion. That will be reflected in my vote. No religion is better, in my opinion. I’ve made up my mind after carefully examining each manifesto. Not a vote for NOTA from me. That would be a significant loss.

Student Ananthakrishnan C A, 19, from T’Puram

I can’t wait for the election to come because I get to take part in the biggest democratic exercise in history. I have grown up seeing family members cast ballots. I’ll have the opportunity to personally experience it this time. I’m still undecided on who I should vote for with my first vote or if it should go to NOTA. I’m learning about the state of politics right now from a variety of sources. I have watched the candidates quite carefully as well. I’m going to decide shortly.

Dona Maria Sebastian, age 21, is a peer-made student.

Even the names of the candidates running from my constituency are unknown to me. Therefore, I will vote for the party that most closely matches my demands. The problems that I believe need to be prioritized are price increases, corruption, and unemployment. I’m not sure whether any of these issues will be resolved by the election outcome. I won’t throw my vote away, however, since I think it matters. In my constituency, I know exactly which party will lose.

21-year-old Ernakulam student Aravind R. Nair

I have no political interest. My pals and I are not having a very long talk. However, political parties are now using social media to promote their campaigns. This has helped me to learn about the contenders. Politicians that honor their pledges are what I want to see. I urge the next MP to give top priority to two issues: ensuring women’s safety and combating the drug epidemic. Though the impact of Narendra Modi cannot be understated, Shashi Tharoor, Rahul Gandhi, and K K Shailaja all carry similar weight.

18-year-old Thrissur student Annarose Jaison

For the first time, taking part in democracy feels powerful. I can’t wait to vote on which party will lead the country. But after reading about previous EVM malpractices, I’m not sure my vote was really honest. Even while I may not be very familiar with the candidates, I’m eager to find out more.

26-year-old Sam Jones, a Pathanamthitta IT specialist

I couldn’t vote till recently since I wasn’t in Kerala for a long. I may use my franchise this time. The blurring of the lines between religion and the state worries me. The latter ought never to be involved in concerns of governance. In my opinion, the constituency to which I belong has room for growth. I did not find the former MP’s actions to be satisfactory. I’ve now thoroughly examined each contender to aid in my selection.

Kannur student Neha Valsaraj, 20 years old

I’ve never voted before, so I’m interested in the whole process. I made sure I understood everything by visiting the Election Commission website. Voting, in my opinion, is a citizen’s duty more than a right. Because I’m interested in politics, I thoroughly researched all of the candidates running in my district as well as others. I know that the majority of them have personal stakes in things. There are very few individuals who sincerely want to represent the people. Gender inequality is my main grievance with our nation. Even though equal rights are guaranteed under the Constitution, there seems to be a long way to go in our nation.

Student Vaidyanathan S, 20, from Kozhikode

I believe I have identified the individual most qualified to assist our folks. I’ve heard several accounts of how beneficial that candidate has been to everyone. According to my own opinion, the victor should make every effort to safeguard the wellbeing of the populace. Biases, whether political or otherwise, shouldn’t affect their performance. The polling will undoubtedly be influenced by ongoing concerns about ineffective government. I believe that the candidates’ political kindness matters more than their widespread popularity. I support this democratic process and am certain that casting my vote will bring about a change for the better.