For the men and women who have toiled relentlessly for three years to achieve the historic Supreme Court ruling of being granted voting rights electronically, it is a moment of pride for them.
For the London-based Chairman of Pravasi Bharat Nagender Chindam who filed the original petition to this effect in the apex court, is a proud man today. He said from Edinburgh, "It is matter for millions of Indian citizens around the world. It's an historical moment for the Indian democracy. It's been a great achievement for every Indian citizen living abroad, and I am happy to know that Government of India accepted EC proposals for NRI absentee ballot in true spirit."
"It's a tribute to our founding fathers of India - Swamy Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr.Bheemrao Ambedkar who were Non-Resident Indians at certain point of time in their lives," he added.
"This sentiment is echoed by several other NRI's who had the long cherished desire to be a part of the Indian democratic process. This is a fantastic step forward for all Indians abroad. Whenever we as NRIs talk about India, first we criticize about corruption and conclude with statements like we can do nothing as we are staying out of India?", Said Arti Gujare, one of the UK crusader for online voting rights.
"Now, I can keep my head high and say 'I can be the change for India, being a proud citizen of India, if I am able to participate in our great democracy through epostal/online/proxy voting in the future elections," he added.
The pride over this latest development is clearly reflected in words.
"Millions of Indians living abroad will be now able to vote, looking forward to cast my vote from London through epostal/proxy ballot. It's good news for all those NRI citizens who really care about our nation's wellbeing." said Srujan Chada, another NRI based in UK.
The historic moment that signals the coming to power virtually of all NRIs across the globe, is something not many will forget easily. "For me, that moment proved something very very important - that a small group of ordinary citizens could bring about a positive change in our regulations. It proved that you don't have to be rich, powerful or famous to be heard, you just need to have the right intent and right means," said Preethi Dumpala, another UK NRI.
