During the Lok sabha elections in 1998, PAC constituted ‘The Bangalore Citizens Joint Action Committee’, comprised of 16 city-based NGOs and welfare associations, to coordinate a campaign for voter motivation.  (This small initiative encouraged citizens to shake off their indifference and actively participate in the electoral process. Here, in her own words, is a confessional statement from a neo convert who happened to be the Editor of Bangalore Times, a supplement of f The Times of India. 

“Earlier this week when I went to avail my constitutional right to cast a vote for the government of my choice. I was doing it practically for the first time in my life. Two organisations were responsible for changing my attitude. The first was the Bangalore Citizens Joint Action Committee, comprised of equally occupied professionals who make time to provide the people of Bangalore with information about aspiring candidates so that they can make informed choices when they vote. The second influencing body that got me to vote was the church. During Sunday services, on the eve of the election, the priest suddenly spoke forth on how vital it was for everyone present and eligible to do so, to cast a vote. He did not advocate any party, but simply suggested that we should take the ‘KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES’ information handbills that were being distributed outside the church, then pray for the divine wisdom and vote accordingly.” 

(Source: “I confess it was wrong”, Heart line-Ingrid Albuquerque. Times of India, February 20th 1998.)