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Dr. S.Y. Quraishi
Chief Guest 2025

Dr. S.Y. Quraishi

Former Chief Election Commissioner

Election Commission of India

Biography

Dr. S.Y. Quraishi is the former Chief Election Commissioner of India and one of the country's most respected voices on democracy, electoral reforms, and public policy. A distinguished civil servant from the Indian Administrative Service (1971 batch), he served as the 17th Chief Election Commissioner of India from 2010 to 2012.

During his tenure at the Election Commission, Dr. Quraishi spearheaded several significant electoral reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, voter participation, and the integrity of the electoral process. He is widely credited with strengthening voter education initiatives and promoting inclusive participation, particularly among young voters, women, and marginalized communities.

Over the course of his distinguished public service career spanning nearly four decades, Dr. Quraishi held several key positions in the Government of India, including Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He has also served on numerous national and international bodies working on democracy, governance, and electoral systems.

An acclaimed author, speaker, and advocate for democratic values, Dr. Quraishi continues to engage actively in public discourse on elections, secularism, governance, and social harmony. His book *An Undocumented Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election* offers an insightful account of India's electoral processes and institutions.

Through his continued engagement with issues of democracy and constitutional values, Dr. Quraishi remains an influential voice in strengthening democratic institutions in India and beyond.

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Distinguished guests, jury members and voices who have shaped the Awards.