Twitter India celebrates National Voters’ Day with next phase of #PowerOf18

As the largest democracy in the world gears up to commemorate National Voters’ Day today, Twitter India joins in the celebrations with the launch of the next phase of its initiative #PowerOf18. The campaign aimed at encouraging the youth of India to contribute to public debate and participate in civic engagement is roping in gold medalist boxer Nikhat Zareen (@nikhat_zareen ‏) to share her journey and message to the youth in an exclusive video on Twitter. In addition, Twitter will be launching today an exclusive, first-ever digital panel at the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival 2019 (@ZEEJLF). The panel goes live this evening at 630pm IST via @ZEEJLF.

Reminiscing the first time she got into a boxing ring, Nikhat (@nikhat_zareen ‏) says she was 13 years old and had gone for training in Nizamabad District, where she saw girls making a representation in every sport except for boxing. This fueled a fire inside Nikhat (@nikhat_zareen ‏) to represent women in boxing as well. Her first fight, Nikhat (@nikhat_zareen ‏) reflects, was celebrated by her father the most, as he took huge pride in raising a daughter who stood tall against gender stereotypes and broke the glass ceiling. If given a chance to change one thing about the world at present, Nikhat (@nikhat_zareen ‏) remarks that she would change the common perception about women being behind men, and celebrate equality in all fields.

Looking forward to a special video I did in collaboration with @TwitterIndia about a cause that's very important to me. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/cq3lRths1x

— Nikhat Zareen (@nikhat_zareen) January 24, 2019

Nikhat (@nikhat_zareen ‏) goes on to say Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)  is her favorite personality to follow on Twitter, as the former Indian Cricketer often puts out Tweets appreciating and celebrating victories of all Indian players. As part of her message to the youth of India, Nikhat (@nikhat_zareen ‏) confidently encourages youth to understand the power of their votes, exercise it and be the change that #PowerOf18 can bring in for the country

Additionally, Twitter will be fuelling #PowerOf18 conversations with an exclusive, first-ever digital panel at the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival 2019 (@ZEEJLF). Through this discussion, Twitter is aiming to bring together young, dynamic Indians for the world of literature to discuss the transformative power of civic action and the importance of making your voice heard on Twitter, and beyond. The panel will be moderated by Amrita Tripathi (@amritat), author and Head – News Partnerships, Twitter India, and will witness the following as panelists:

• Zuni Chopra (@zuni_chopra ‏) - At 17, Chopra is a prolific writer, having already published two poetry books, a novel and a collection of short stories
• Snigdha Poonam (@snigdhapoonam ‏) - The award-winning journalist covers national affairs with a focus on young India. Her first book Dreamers: How Young Indians Are Changing Their World and Yours won the Crossword Book Award in 2018
• Nishtha Satyam (@SatyamNishtha) - Satyam is the youngest Deputy Country Representative for UN Women across 193 countries, and a staunch advocate of mainstreaming women in the marketplace, workplace and community
• Reshma Qureshi  (@reshmaqureshi_b)- Qureshi, who survived an acid attack at 17, is an activist, model and vlogger. She is the face of NGO Make Love Not Scars, has walked at New York Fashion Week and co-authored a book about her incredible journey

Voting rights emerged as the top response when asked what people would consider the power of turning 18 years old, as per a recent survey conducted by Twitter India (@TwitterIndia). Inspired by this empowering insight, Twitter India is bringing the #PowerOf18 campaign across the country to engage with the youth.

Commenting on the initiatives, Mahima Kaul (@misskaul), Head of Public Policy, Twitter India said, “As we move closer to the upcoming Lok Sabha election, Twitter is committed to providing a healthy platform to the youth that fosters civic conversation and democratic debate. Keeping this objective as core, we are excited to have launched into our second phase for #PowerOf18 today and are looking forward to ignite, enable and empower discussions amongst the youth, who are voters of today and the leaders of tomorrow.”