NEW DELHI: Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) Rajiv Kumar expressed his deep condolences on the demise of Shyam Saran Negi, Himachal’s pride and Independent India’s first voter. In a rare gesture and mark of gratitude for Shri Negi’s democratic values, ethos and contribution, Kumar reached Kalpa, native village of Negi in Kinnaur district today to meet the bereaved family in person and paid floral tributes.
ECI salutes Sh Shyam Negiji, HP’s pride & Independent India’s first voter. श्री नेगी १९५१ से लगातार मतदान करते रहे।2 नवंबर को भी @ECISVEEP द्वारा घर से voting की सुविधा लेकर,अपना फर्ज अदा कर गए। श्री नेगी की यह कर्तव्य निष्ठा,युवा मतदाताओं के लिए एक मिसाल होनी चाहिए।@hpelection pic.twitter.com/StBr6gibM1
— Rajiv kumar (@rajivkumarec) November 5, 2022
While paying homage to Negi’s exemplary spirit & faith in democracy Shri Kumar said that “ श्री नेगी 70 सालों से ऊपर लगातार मतदान करते रहे और जाते जाते भी postal ballot द्वारा 2 नवंबर को अपना फर्ज अदा कर गए। श्री नेगी की यह कर्तव्य निष्ठा, युवा मतदाताओं के लिए एक मिसाल होनी चाहिए। दिवंगत आत्मा के लिए सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि तभी होगी जब हम सब देशवासी मतदान में बढ़ चढ़ कर हिस्सा लें और लोकतंत्र की नींव को और सुदृढ़ करें।” CEC urged all the voters in Himachal Pradesh to cast their vote on 12th Nov, 2022 in the upcoming Assembly Election, as a real tribute to Shri Shyam Saran Negi.
ECI pays tribute to sentinel of democracy and first Voter of independent India, Late Shri Shyam Saran Negi. ECI salutes his indomitable spirit & faith in democracy.
#RIP #ECIRespects@hpelection @SpokespersonECI pic.twitter.com/vk00KMUgsS— Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) November 5, 2022
CEC Kumar also conveyed his gratitude to over 1.8 crore 80+ voters and 2.5 lakh 100+ centenarian voters across the country for their contribution in laying the foundation of a strong democracy. उन्होंने कहाँ कि सम्मानित बुजर्गों के लोकतंत्र में निरंतर भागीदारी से निष्पक्ष, पारदर्शी, समावेशी और सुगम चुनाव कराते रहने की जिम्मेदारी का अहसास और बढ़ जाता है”|
CEC Shri @rajivkumarec urged all the voters in #HimachalPradesh to cast their vote on 12th Nov, 2022 in the upcoming Assembly Election, as a real tribute to Shri Shyam Saran Negi.#HPElection2022@hpelection @DDNewslive https://t.co/LU7o28uu9H pic.twitter.com/nXZv7paOGo
— Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) November 5, 2022
During CECs conversation with family members, Negi’s son recalled a gratitude letter by CEC Kumar to Negi. He informed that Shri Negi felt jovial reading the letter and he will encourage youngsters in the family to cast their vote for active participation in the festival of democracy. It may be recalled that recently on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, CEC had written a gratitude letter to all centenarian voters across the country.
Shyam Saran Negi passed away early this morning today at the age of 106 years at his native place in Kalpa, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. The Election Commission of India deeply mourns the demise of Shri Shyam Saran Negi and is grateful for his service towards the nation.
