Serving as assistant professor at Shimla’s RKMV College
TNR News Network
Shimla: Dr Muskan Negi, a visually impaired singer, academic and Youth Icon of the Election Commission of India, has added a major milestone to her career by becoming the first 100 per cent visually impaired woman to be awarded a PhD by the Himachal Pradesh University. She completed her doctoral research in music under the supervision of Dr Mrityunjay Sharma.
Currently serving as an assistant professor at Shimla’s RKMV College, Dr Negi is also the brand ambassador of Umang Foundation, which works for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Umang Foundation president Prof Ajay Srivastava confirmed the achievement, calling it a moment of pride for the state.
Research journey powered by technology, grit
According to her research supervisor Dr Mrityunjay Sharma, Dr Negi relied extensively on digital resources, including talking software on laptops and mobile phones, as higher education offers limited Braille material. “She turned visual impairment into a challenge to conquer, showing exceptional dedication through her MA, MPhil and PhD studies in music,” he said.
Dr Negi attributed her success to her parents, Ambika Devi and Jaichand, and her extended family for constant encouragement since childhood. She also expressed gratitude to her research guide and faculty members of the university’s music department for their academic support.
Youth icon, acclaimed singer with global presence
Dr Negi has been the Election Commission of India’s Youth Icon since 2017 for promoting voter awareness among young people. A recipient of several national and state-level honours in music, she has been felicitated by Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and has performed across India as well as in five US states. Actively involved in social work, she is also known for regularly participating in blood donation drives.
