Voters of Bihar, if EC's appeal doesn't reach you, listen to a girl who doesn't even speak

A hearing-and-speech impaired girl has become the election icon in Bihar’s Gaya. She has become the poster girl of the campaign, targeting those who are deaf towards the Election Commission’s (EC) appeal to citizens to exercise their franchise.

Meet Nidhi, whose posters have come up all over this internationally-renowned tourist city, with the appeal, “Gaya, Let’s Vote”.

In the posters and billboards, Nidhi appeals, “Main sun nahi sakti, bol nahi sakti…Phir bhi main vote zaroor karungi. Aap kya karenge? Aap bhi 16 October ko zaroor matdaan karein. (I can’t hear, I can’t speak… Still I’ll cast my vote. What will you do? You too must cast your vote on 16 October.)”

Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, District Magistrate (DM) and Collector, Gaya said, “She represents the voice of democracy. In Bihar, especially in a sensitive district like Gaya, there is fear psychosis and curfew-like situation during elections. As a result, the voter turnout is less. In a democracy, 95% of people are silent and they express their voice through ballot at EVMs. Through her silent appeal, which has now become a strong voice, we want more number of people to come out and vote. Nidhi has now become an icon of Gaya district.”

Nidhi (26) is an avid painter and a gold medallist in the Master of Fine Art from Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University, Chitrakoot.

She’s a discovery of the District Innovation Centre, Gaya, that recently bagged the ‘Skoch Order of Merit’ award for smart governance.

“I participated in an art workshop-cum-exhibition here in Gaya, where prominent painters from different states had also participated. My paintings were also on display. DM sir saw it and I was invited in the Collectorate. I visited him with my paintings of Lord Buddha and Vote for Democracy. There he came up with this idea of putting me as a voice to appeal people to vote,” Nidhi told Firstpost through sign language and by texting on her mobile phone.

Nidhi’s father Yugal Kishore Dwivedi, her constant companion, said, “We wanted Nidhi to pursue painting, as through this she can build her career, otherwise it’s difficult for her to get into some other profession. Moreover, she has a passion for art and she has also won awards.”

Nidhi, who bagged an award from HRD Ministry, was felicitated as a special invitee by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Republic Day in New Delhi in 2012. Her paintings have also been displayed at Gaya International Airport and other public places in Gaya.

Cellphone is a blessing for her, as she communicates through WhatsApp and SMSes, besides emails. “Communicating with others is no hurdle for me. My mobile comes handy,” she said, while showing her cellphone.

Amrita K (30), Fellow, Prime Minister Rural Development Scheme and associated with the Innovation Centre, said “Nidhi is a talented artist. After the DM saw her work, we decided to position her as a silent icon, who appeals to people to come out and vote, and not to give a deaf ear to EC’s appeal. The EC not only gave us permission to make Nidhi a district icon for Bihar assembly election, but also appreciated it. Nidhi is also a living example of women empowerment.”