Shyam Saran Negi – the man regarded as the first voter of Independent India, who inspired millions died on Saturday
Shyam Saran Negi was the first citizen to participate in the democratic process in the country – passed away at the age of 106, at his native place at his residence in Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday, 5 November. On November 3, Negi had cast his last vote for the state’s Assembly polls through postal ballot, the Election Commission said.
Who was Shyam Saran Negi?
Shyam Saran Negi was an Indian school teacher in Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh, who cast the first vote in the 1951 general election in India — the nation’s first election since the end of British Rule in 1947.
Why Did Negi Become Famous During the Polling?
Although most of the polling for that first election took place in February 1952, Himachal Pradesh went to the polls five months early due to the heavy snowfall in February and March which made it impossible for citizens to reach the polling stations. At that time, Negi cast the first vote on October 25, 1951.
He voted in every general election from 1951 until his death and is believed to be India’s oldest voter as well its first.
What Was His Special Appearance?
Shyam Saran Negi also made a special appearance in a Hindi film Sanam Re.
When did Negi cast his first vote?
This was on 23 October 1951, during the first General Elections of Independent India.
How Is He Called the First Voter?
In an interview with The Quint ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections in the state, Negi recounted that the voting in his area was scheduled to start at 7 am. “But I reached there at 6.30 am to cast my vote and then went for my duty. So like that I became the first voter, didn’t I?” he said.
The final goodbye… Deputy Commissioner of Kinnaur, Amandeep Garg on Saturday, 5 November said that Negi will be cremated with full state honours.
Negi was born in July 1917 in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
“He inspired millions to vote, even before his demise, he voted for Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022 through postal ballot on November 2, 2022,” the poll panel said on Twitter.
Not just first voter of Independent India,but a man with exceptional faith in #democracy.
ECI mourns the demise of Shri Shyam Saran Negi. We are eternally grateful for his service to the Nation. https://t.co/IdmJFXXhFf
— Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) November 5, 2022
His demise comes two days after he cast his last vote for the 14th Assembly Elections through a postal ballot on 2 November.
Prime Minister Modi acknowledging Negi’s act of exercising his right to vote for the 34th time – had heralded him on Twitter. “This is commendable and should serve as an inspiration for the younger voters to take part in the elections and strengthen our democracy,” he had tweeted.
This is commendable and should serve as an inspiration for the younger voters to take part in the elections and strengthen our democracy. https://t.co/J4LvuNo92x
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 2, 2022
Bhupinder S Hooda Former Chief Minister of Haryana from Congress tweeted, “The news of the demise of Shri Shyam Saran Negi ji of Himachal Pradesh, the first voter who strengthened the foundation of democracy by casting the first vote after independence, is painful. Tributes to the departed soul and condolences to the family.
He will always be remembered as a vigilant watchdog of democracy.
आजादी के बाद पहला वोट डालकर प्रजातंत्र की नींव को मजबूती देने वाले प्रथम मतदाता हिमाचल प्रदेश के श्री श्याम सरन नेगी जी के निधन की खबर कष्टदायक है। दिवंगत आत्मा को श्रद्धांजलि व परिवार के प्रति शोक संवेदनाएं।
प्रजातंत्र के सजग प्रहरी के रूप में उन्हें सदा याद किया जाएगा। pic.twitter.com/SkpvP0YBjA
— Bhupinder S Hooda (@BhupinderShooda) November 5, 2022
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Twitter, “I am pained to learn about the passing away of India’s first voter Shyam Saran Negi. Adhering to his duty, he cast his vote for the 34th time on November 3 through a postal ballot. This thought will always make me emotional.”
Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Abid Hussian Sadiq said Negi will be cremated with full state honours.
The officer had felicitated the centenarian at his residence after the vote two days ago. Negi was the brand ambassador for the Election Commission.
An EC spokesperson said Negi was a man with exceptional faith in democracy.
“ECI mourns the demise of Shri Shyam Saran Negi. We are eternally grateful for his service to the nation,” the spokesperson said.