Retired Army Man Votes at Hockey-Themed Booth in Jharkhand

On May 13, 2024, retired army man Juvel Dungdung, 75, cast his vote at a unique hockey-themed polling booth in Karangagudi, Jharkhand. The booth, dubbed the "Hockey Booth" by Election Commission officials, is located in Simdega, known as the "Nursery for Hockey" due to its history of producing numerous international and national hockey players.

Why this matters: This event highlights the importance of community engagement and voter participation in democratic processes, particularly in rural areas where voter turnout can be low. It also showcases the creative efforts of election officials to make voting a festive and inclusive experience, which can have a positive impact on civic engagement and democratic outcomes.

Dungdung, who served during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and once played hockey for the Army, was emotional upon arrival at the booth. He was warmly welcomed by a team of players who showered petals and presented him a bouquet. "Each and every voter who exercised their franchise in this booth was welcomed with flowers by players," said Manoj Konbegi, president of Hockey Simdega and vice-president of Hockey Jharkhand.

Dungdung expressed pride in voting at a location that produced international hockey players, including his granddaughter, Beauty Dungdung. The polling station, which recorded a turnout of 64.25% among 993 electors, was decorated with traditional customs and photographs of international hockey players. A selfie point was set up, and trainee players led by hockey coach Subhila Minz welcomed voters.

Indian women's hockey captain Salima Tete, Sangita Kumari, and Deepika Soreng were among the players greeting voters at the booth. "The administration gave a unique look to polling station 216 where voters were welcomed with traditional dance and custom," Konbegi added. Voter Sitamani Khlkho remarked, "This was the first time I had seen such a decorated booth."

The Simdega assembly constituency falls within the Khunti Lok Sabha seat, the birthplace of tribal icon Birsa Munda. Union Minister and BJP nominee Arjun Munda is competing against INDIA bloc's Kalicharan Munda in the election. The Khunti Lok Sabha seat has a total of 13.20 lakh voters, including 6.72 lakh female voters, with a voter turnout of 65.95%.

The hockey-themed polling booth in Karangagudi not only celebrated the region's rich hockey heritage but also served as a testament to the democratic spirit of its residents. As Juvel Dungdung cast his vote, surrounded by the warmth and pride of the hockey community, it was a poignant moment that underscored the significance of every vote in shaping the nation's future.

Key Takeaways

• 75-year-old retired army man Juvel Dungdung votes at a hockey-themed polling booth in Jharkhand.
• The booth, dubbed "Hockey Booth", is in Simdega, known for producing international hockey players.
• Voters were welcomed with flowers, traditional dance, and custom at the polling station.
• The booth recorded a 64.25% voter turnout among 993 electors.
• The event highlights community engagement and voter participation in democratic processes.