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Saree-Clad Robot Welcomes Voters in Puducherry, Showcases Tech-Driven Elections

The Election Commission of India deployed a unique, saree-clad robot to welcome voters at a polling station during the Puducherry Assembly elections. This technological initiative aimed at enhancing voter convenience and attracting younger voters coincided with a visit by 43 international delegates from 23 countries. The delegates are in India as part of the International Election Visitors' Programme 2026 to observe the electoral process. They participated in demonstrations and mock polls using Electronic Voting Machines to gain hands-on experience of India's election technology and safeguards.

Key Points: Robot in Saree Greets Voters at Puducherry Polling Station

  • Robot greets voters in traditional attire
  • Part of ECI's voter convenience tech
  • Showcased during International Election Visitors' Programme
  • Delegates from 23 countries observed Indian election process
2 min read

Saree-clad robot welcomes voters at Puducherry polling station

ECI deploys a saree-clad welcome robot at a Puducherry polling booth, highlighting tech initiatives for voter engagement during Assembly elections.

"Welcome with swag. A robot is welcoming electors at a polling station in #Puducherry!! - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, April 9

An elector-friendly robot, sporting a saree, welcomed visitors to the polling station for Puducherry Assembly elections on Thursday, said the ECI, while highlighting its tech initiatives for voter convenience and attracting young voters.

In a social media statement, the Election Commission of India (ECI) attached a video of the saree-clad robot and said, "Welcome with swag. A robot is welcoming electors at a polling station in #Puducherry!! It's a day of duty and responsibility, let's go vote!"

In the video, the robot can be seen holding a tray in its hands, with its red eyes searching for approaching visitors and its roller feet keeping it mobile.

The ECI's experiment with the welcome robot in Puducherry came on a day when the Union Territory's electors cast their votes to pick a new 30-member Assembly. The result will be declared on May 4.

The robot-led demonstration of technology by the ECI coincided with an ongoing visit of 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five Foreign Missions in Delhi, to Puducherry, along with other states, as part of the first phase of the International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP), 2026.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday inaugurated the IEVP 2026, paving the way for foreign delegates to learn from the Assembly elections in five States/UTs.

Inaugurating the IEVP at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that in the second phase, the delegates will visit West Bengal and Tamil Nadu from April 20 onwards.

Describing elections in India as festivals of democracy, Gyanesh Kumar called upon the IEVP participants to enjoy their visit to states, learn, see and experience the diversity of India.

The delegates were given a demonstration of the EVM at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), Delhi, and they undertook a mock poll using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to get a hands-on experience of the voting process, the statement said.

The delegates evinced keen interest in the technological interventions and administrative safeguards in the election process in India and had an interactive session with the experts, clarifying their doubts/queries, it said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the ECI's effort to use technology, I hope the focus remains on core issues like voter list accuracy and booth management. A robot is a nice photo-op, but smooth, fair elections are what truly matter.
R
Rohit P
This is so cool! Saw the video on Twitter. Perfect way to show our tech side to the international delegates. India's elections are indeed a festival, and now we have a robotic host! Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As a foreign observer, I find this fascinating. The juxtaposition of traditional attire on a robot to promote democratic duty is uniquely Indian. The IEVP is a great initiative for cross-learning.
V
Vikram M
Good step for voter outreach. But I have a practical question: how much did this robot cost? Could that budget have been better used for voter literacy campaigns in remote areas? Just a thought.
K
Kavya N
Love the desi touch with the saree! It's these small, innovative things that make our democracy vibrant. Hope to see more such tech used for accessibility for elderly and disabled voters too.

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