Explorer

As Himachal Votes, Watch Google India's Tribute To Shyam Saran Negi, First Voter Of Independent India

The video opens with Negi telling some children how due to extreme weather conditions polling in Kinnaur was scheduled 6 months prior and he braved inclement weather to cast his vote

As Himachal Pradesh votes to elect the new Chief Minister of the state today, Google India paid tribute to Shyam Saran Negi, the first voter of independent India from Kinnaur, who cast his franchise for the 34th time for the Himachal Assembly Elections. He cast his vote through postal ballot for the very first time at his residence in Kalpa on November 2 before expiring on November 5 (Saturday).

The over 2 minute video shared on Twitter and captioned "Remembering Mr. Shyam Saran Negi, the first Indian Voter, who taught us that nothing can stand in the way of our biggest duty as a citizen," opens with Negi telling some children how due to extreme weather conditions polling in Kinnaur was scheduled 6 months prior, and he braved inclement weather to go to the polling booth and cast his vote to become the firs voter of independent India.

He then speaks about how he felt a sense of pride while casting his vote, and since then has never missed exercising his franchise even once.

Negi cast his vote on 25th October 1951 for the first time during the first general elections that were held after British rule. He has cast his vote in every election since then. The first general elections were supposed to be held in February 1952, but, due to heavy snowfall in Kinnaur, elections were held six months earlier.

Shyam Saran Negi was a teacher at Kinnaur's Moorang School at that time and he was assigned election duty that day. He reached the polling booth station early morning while the election duty team reached at 6:15 am. Negi asked permission to vote so that he can return to his duty and thus he became the first voter of independent India. 

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

BPSC Prelims Re-Exam Only For One Centre, Protesting Candidates To Stage 'Rail Roko' On Friday
BPSC Prelims Re-Exam Only For One Centre, Protesting Candidates To Stage 'Rail Roko' On Friday
Narsinghanand's Strong Objection To Mohammad Kaif Taking Dip In Yamuna: 'Muslims Should Not Be Allowed...'
Narsinghanand's Strong Objection To Mohammad Kaif Taking Dip In Yamuna: 'Muslims Should Not Be Allowed...'
'Cowardly': PM Modi Condemns 'Terrorist' Attack In New Orleans On New Year
'Cowardly': PM Modi Condemns 'Terrorist' Attack In New Orleans On New Year
All Schools In Noida To Remain Shut Till Class 8 Amid Coldwave Conditions
All Schools In Noida To Remain Shut Till Class 8 Amid Coldwave Conditions
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Delhi Election Drama: Sanjay Singh Issues Legal Notice To 2 BJP Leaders Over Alleged Remarks | ABP NewsBreaking News: Arvind Kejriwal Angered By Shivraj Chouhan's Letter Ahead Of Delhi Elections | ABP NewsDelhi Election: Fierce Political Battle Intensifies As Atishi And Shivraj Engage In Letter War | ABP NewsTragedy Strikes US on New Year's Day; 10 Dead in Louisiana Truck Incident, Explosion Outside Trump's Hotel in Las Vegas Claims One Life | ABP News

Photo Gallery

Embed widget