Shyam Saran Negi, Independent India's first voter, turns 100
Independent India's first voter Shyam Saran Negi, a resident of Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, has turned 100 today. Preparations are on in full swing to honor the remarkable man who has voted a whopping 16 times in Lok Sabha polls and 12 times in assembly elections. Negi says he still remembers the day he cast his first vote for the October 1951 general elections.
After six decades, Negi still strong supporter of electoral process
Negi was felicitated in 2010 by then election commissioner Navin Chawla, who travelled to Kinnaur for the purpose. Before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, he was made brand ambassador of the state election commission to motivate voters. Negi remains a strong advocate of the electoral process. He says everyone must vote so to make their own destiny.
Grand celebrations on the old man's birthday
A day before his birthday, prayers were organized at his house in Kalpa. Nine lamas were invited from the local monastery for special prayers for his health. But Negi still enjoys the company of his 96-year-old wife Hiramani and his nine kids.
