Election 2014: Youngistan uploads selfies of inked finger on social media

In probably the largest selfie movement pushed by the largest democracy in the world, as tweeter @Parekhit noted, the Selfie made it's uniquely Indian mark with the first phase of elections 2014.

The trickle of India's 23.16 million first time voters brought their peppy energy to the polling booths. Shooting on cell phones, tablets and posing for cameras, young voters posted their first votes online with the newly invented tags of Volfie (voter selfie), Fingie (Finger selfie), Elefie (election selfie) and Unglie (the Hindi speaker's election selfie).

Inspired by the youth vibe, young and old alike joined in with equal fervour. The trend showed a marked exuberance about voting and a determination to participate in the elections.

The inked finger selfie brigade also marked the "fan" movement behind parties with diehard AAP fans and Modi fans posting in groups and solos to prove their loyalties. Unlike previous elections where votes have been primarily private and secret activities, this year saw a loud and proud declaration of loyalties more resonant with sports groupies who wear a favourite team's hat or colours.

Apart from numerous senior journalists across media who promptly posted selfies as they voted, the general public also gave voice to where they stood when it came to the ballot. It was evidently the result of an organic preplanning with many taking care to pose pretty fingers. @ShyljaVarma was certain many were prepping their hands with manicures the previous day for the #selfie2014. @tinucherian called it the "biggest selfie festival" and many wondered why phone and tablet brands hadn't jumped in to sponsor cameras at booths, thereby losing a valuable branding opportunity.

It also served as a motivational tool with many young people urging others to go vote "if only to post your selfie on Instagram" as @neerjagurnani said.

@Masakali_ took what she called the mandatory election selfie
@prithwiray called it "the only selfie that matters this year"
@kinshuksunil took a picture along with his parents.
@AshokThapar took a loving selfie of his inked finger next to his wife's finger with the line "Together we'll make a formidable India"
Bhavna Gaule who tweets under @Sujimoto was one of the first to reach the election booth
While @ranvibs posted a selfie of the inked fingers of three generations who had voted together, each of them first time voters.
Voters also got artistic with their selfies.
@aparna_jain framed hers against a village scene.
@10chandana did one with her inked finger on her chin