https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Step into the Future: Ludhiana’s Virtual Model Polling Booth Revolutionizes Voting Experience

Ludhiana's virtual model polling booth, led by IAS Ojasvi Alankar, offers an immersive voting experience. Read the article to get the details.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Imagine a world where you can cast your vote conveniently and immersively. A world where you can step into a virtual model polling booth, complete with friendly staff and even a virtual Verka milk booth (a beloved brand in Punjab). This isn’t science fiction; it’s reality. Ojasvi Alankar, a young IAS officer in Ludhiana, is not just a step forward in electoral awareness but a leap into the future of democratic participation. 

THE GENESIS OF AN IDEA 

The concept of a virtual model polling booth was born from a conversation between Mr. Alankar, a data scientist by background, and his friends at Volaverse, a local tech company specializing in virtual reality (VR) projects. Despite India’s burgeoning interest in AI, the metaverse—a shared, 3D immersive virtual reality space—remains a nascent concept. Recognizing the potential of VR to enhance user experiences beyond mere videos, Mr. Alankar proposed creating a virtual model polling booth. “This idea aimed to provide an immersive, educational experience about the electoral process, targeting not just current voters but also those who are yet to be eligible, such as young students,” he shared with Indian Masterminds

BRINGING THE VISION TO LIFE 

In collaboration with Volaverse, the officer’s team built a model polling booth in virtual reality, adhering to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines and incorporating additional features to enhance realism. For instance, the virtual booth includes simulations of various conditions, such as the ongoing heatwave, to portray a comprehensive and engaging environment.

“This virtual booth is designed to make users feel as if they are standing in a polling station. It includes all the elements of a real polling booth: staff members, polling agents, and the general hustle and bustle of Election Day,” Mr. Alankar informed. The project debuted in Ludhiana, a city where the metaverse and VR technology are still relatively unknown, making the initiative even more groundbreaking.

 LAUNCH AND RECEPTION 

The first virtual model polling booth was set up in a mall in Ludhiana, followed by another at the Radisson Hotel during an ECI event attended by deputy commissioners and other officials. This strategic placement aimed to spread awareness and encourage district-level implementation across the state. The initial response from the youth has been overwhelmingly positive, with the booth drawing significant interest during its limited 3 to 4 hour daily operational window.

BROADER APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PLANS 

While the immediate application of the virtual booth is electoral awareness, its potential extends far beyond that. The VR experience aligns perfectly with the ECI’s SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) campaign, aiming to educate and engage young voters. Given the urban apathy towards voting in Ludhiana, leveraging technology to attract and inform voters is a strategic move.

IAS Ojasvi Alankar
IAS Ojasvi Alankar

Looking ahead, Mr. Alankar plans to integrate this VR experience into schools, providing students with a tangible understanding of the electoral process. He envisions running pilots in Ludhiana schools post-election, potentially installing Oculus devices in computer labs for special classes. This initiative aims to familiarize students with advanced technology, fostering a tech-savvy generation well-versed in civic duties.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES 

The journey to realizing this virtual model booth was not without challenges. Technologically, creating an engaging and realistic VR experience requires significant effort and expertise. The human mind’s natural discomfort with extended VR use also posed a hurdle, necessitating careful design and user acclimatization.

Engaging the public was another challenge, especially in a region where tech isn’t yet a buzzword. However, strategic additions, such as a booth for Verka—a popular dairy brand in Punjab—and heritage exhibitions, helped draw in crowds and maintain interest.

THE ROAD AHEAD 

“It all could happen with the support of our DC, IAS Sakshi Sawhney,” he said. He further added, “This concept not only promises to enhance electoral awareness but also hints at a future where voting could be entirely paperless and technologically advanced.”

Ojasvi Alankar’s vision extends beyond just elections. As a data scientist turned civil servant, he is passionate about connecting technology with governance. “My goal is to expose Punjab’s youth to cutting-edge technology, reducing the tech knowledge gap and preparing them for a future where tech and civic responsibility go hand in hand,” he shared with Indian Masterminds

In Ludhiana, the seeds of a technological revolution have been sown, promising a future where technology enhances democratic participation and civic engagement. The virtual model polling booth is just the beginning, heralding a new era of tech-driven governance and education.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
ED _Enforcement_Directorate
ACC Extends Tenure of IPS Officers Ms. Sonia Narang and Mr. Abhishek Goyal in ED
PESB
PESB Selects Surjit Mishra as Director In-Charge of Burnpur & Durgapur Steel Plants
smita_sabharwal-resized
Senior IAS Officer Smita Sabharwal Responds to Gachibowli Police Notice in Land Dispute Case
DFCCIL logo
Successful Trial Run on DFCCIL’s New Umbergaon-IR Saphale Section Marks Major Milestone
NTPC
NTPC Bongaigaon Supports Bodoland Artisans with New Dormitory Facility
BHEL_resized
BHEL’s Bangalore Electronics Division Receives GreenCo Gold Rating
SJVN
Rajendra Prasad Goyal’s Appointment to SJVN as Director (Finance) Extended - Know More About Him
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
GRSE Unveils New Logo on Its 66th Raising Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
This Collector Finds Happiness In Squeaks Of Children With Hearing Impairment Who Start Hearing After Surgery
Meghashree D R IAS
How Wayanad’s Women Turned a Disaster into a Dream Project
UPSC Stories
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
IRS officer Padmapani Bora's 16-year career transcends typical bureaucracy. Discover his surprising journey...
IAS T Rahul Kumar reddy
How This IAS Officer Overcame 4 Consecutive Mains Failures & 1 Interview Rejection
IAS Officer T. Rahul Kumar Reddy’s journey to success was marked by perseverance through six UPSC attempts....
Indrajeet Sirra IFS new
How This IFS Officer’s Journey Teaches Aspirants to Never Miss Any Opportunity in Their UPSC Dream
Indrajeet Sirra’s journey to becoming an IFS officer after five UPSC attempts teaches aspirants the importance...
Social Media
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Mr. Himanshu Nagpal is a 2019-batch IAS officer
IAS Vaishali Chopra
Young IAS Vaishali Chopra Takes a Stand Against Caste Bias During Field Training in Uttar Pradesh
While the issue itself may seem small, the post is resonating widely online for its honest reflection...
Tiger
IAS Officer Sanjay Kumar Shares Mesmerising Tigress Patrol Video from Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
In the video, the tigress is seen cooling off in her preferred waterhole before embarking on her evening...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
ED _Enforcement_Directorate
ACC Extends Tenure of IPS Officers Ms. Sonia Narang and Mr. Abhishek Goyal in ED
PESB
PESB Selects Surjit Mishra as Director In-Charge of Burnpur & Durgapur Steel Plants
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
Meghashree D R IAS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT