‘My vote isn’t for you’: Tamil Nadu song to get people to vote

Right from the time when the Tamil Nadu chief electoral officer started quirky social media campaigning, it’s been a welcome sight to witness youngsters taking several initiatives to create awareness about voting. Prominent musician and social activist Sofia Ashraf has come up with an interesting music video, En Vote Unakkillai (My vote is not for you) — A song on Nota for Culture Machine’s digital channel Put Chutney.

The video, apart from urging youngsters to vote, also reminds one about the Nota option.

“Today’s youth mostly shy away from politics as they consider it to be too dirty. They’re of this opinion mainly due to the fact that they’re shielded away from politics right from their young age,” said Ms Ashraf.

She adds, “Though we can’t change the mindset of them overnight, it has to be a step by step process — it’s high time that we as youngsters start discussion right now.”

Speaking about how they zeroed in on making a music video, she said, “Suren Vikhash, the lyricist actually came up with this idea during Chennai floods. When he conveyed the idea to me, it was very catchy and impactful. And, when I approached Put Chutney, they immediately gave their nod.” When we query, why the video focuses on Nota, she replies, “Many youngsters state that they are disinterested towards politics as they find no one trustworthy. If that’s the case, why not show their dissent by casting their vote as Nota ”

Ms Ashraf is also glad that the video has been getting polarised response — “This is what we exactly wanted. We need people to disagree and argue. That’s how they get to know more. And, people who watched the video, said stated that they’re going to vote for sure.”

Meanwhile, Rajiv Rajaram has his say about social media campaigns. “What’s the point in having good knowledge about several things and not turning up to vote It’ll be overwhelming if people feel provoked to vote, after seeing our videos,” he opines.