Shimla | December 14
In the quiet, non-descript village of Chirgaon, many once doubted how far a visually impaired girl could go in education.
Those doubts have now turned into pride.The village is celebrating a historic achievement.
In a first, Muskan Negi has become Himachal Pradesh’s 100 per cent visually impaired woman to earn a PhD.
Already known as the Youth Icon of the Election Commission of India, Muskan has once again changed the narrative on disability and education.
She is a gifted singer.She is also an Assistant Professor at Government Girls College RKMV Shimla.
Dr Muskan Negi completed her PhD in Music from Himachal Pradesh University.
Her research was conducted under the supervision of Dr Mrityunjay Sharma.
Ummang Foundation president Dr Ajay Srivastava called her achievement a milestone for the state.
He said it sends a strong message on inclusive education. Dr Muskan is also the brand ambassador of Ummang Foundation and works actively for the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Her research guide Dr Mrityunjay Sharma said she never allowed visual impairment to become a barrier.
Higher education has limited Braille resources.Muskan therefore relied on talking software, laptops, mobile phones and digital e-resources.
She used the same tools during her MA, MPhil and PhD.
RKMV Principal Prof Anurita Saxena congratulated her on this rare achievement.
She said Muskan’s journey will inspire generations of students.
Dr Muskan credits her success first to her parents. She thanked Ambika Devi and Jaichand for their unwavering support.
She said they encouraged her studies and her love for music from childhood.
She also thanked her mentor Dr Mrityunjay Sharma.
She expressed gratitude to music faculty members Prof Jeet Ram and Prof Ram Swaroop Shandilya.
She acknowledged the role of other teachers as well.
Dr Muskan thanked Ummang Foundation, its youth volunteers and her classmates.
She said their support remained constant throughout her academic journey. Beyond academics, Dr Muskan Negi is a well-known public figure.
She has been the Election Commission of India’s Youth Icon since 2017.
She has worked to increase youth participation in voting.In music, she has earned several national and state-level honours.
She has performed across India. She has also performed in five states of the United States.
She has been honoured by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan.
Prof Srivastava said Dr Muskan was among the first visually impaired students admitted to Portmore School and RKMV with the help of Ummang Foundation.
She is deeply involved in social causes.She is also a regular blood donor.
Dr Muskan Negi’s journey stands as a story of courage determination and belief.
#BreakingBarriers #HumanInterest #InclusiveEducation #Inspiration #DisabilityToAbility
