India, Jan. 26 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged families, schools and communities to actively encourage first-time voters and strengthen participation in democracy, saying voting is an important duty that gives every citizen a voice in shaping India's future

"Voting is the greatest privilege and responsibility in a democracy," Modi said in a letter shared to citizens on the occasion of National Voters' Day, further describing voting as a sacred constitutional right. "That indelible ink on a finger is a badge of honour that ensures our democracy remains vibrant and purposeful."

Calling India the world's largest democracy and the "Mother of Democracy", Modi said democracy, debate and dialogue have been part of India's civil...