Mumbai:
For the lazy cynics who think bad governance is a justification for abstaining from voting, meet Rajangam Shriram.
A voter from Chinchwad area, who is now based in Shanghai, came back all the way from China to the motherland just to give his precious vote "for making the country's democracy strong".
(India Votes 2014: full coverage)
Shriram, a resident of Empire Estate on old Mumbai-Pune Highway, landed at Pune airport on Thursday morning and went to caste his vote at his designated polling booth at Bahirwade school near Chinchwad railway station.
"It is my right and also a responsibility to vote, and for this I came here after spending Rs 78,000 for the airfare to come and go. I appeal to all Indians that voting is your right, and this time, maximum percentage should be secured to break records," said Shriram.
In Maval constituency, the Election Commission, political parties and NGOs are creating awareness about voting since the day elections were declared.
"I work with L'Oreal firm in Chakan, and a year back I was transferred to Shanghai for a company project.
So I settled down there with my family. But when I came to know of the elections happening in our country, I decided right then to come here and vote. Today, I have only come to India for voting and no other reason, and will return to China by the evening flight."