PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name Earned: Garh Ratna [1] Lok Sanhita
Profession(s): Folk Singer, Composer, and Poet
Date of Birth: 12 August 1949
Age (as of 2020): 71 years
Birthplace: Pauri, Uttar Pradesh, India (Now Uttarakhand, India)
Zodiac sign: Leo
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Pauri, Uttarakhand
Age: 71 Years
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EDUCATION
Educational Qualification: He did his graduation from Rampur in Uttarakhand. [2] Wikipedia
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Parents: Father – Name Not Known (Naib Subedar in the Indian Army) Mother – Name Not Known (Homemaker)
Wife/Spouse: Usha Negi
Children: Son – Kavilas Daughter – Ritu
Wife: Usha Negi
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Debut: First Music Release: Garhwali Geetmala Album: Burans
Award: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2018)
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Narendra Singh Negi, a renowned figure in the world of Indian folk music, is celebrated not only as a singer but also as a poet and composer from the picturesque Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Affectionately known as ‘Garh Ratan’, Negi’s musical repertoire serves as a vibrant narrative of the culture, traditions, social dynamics, and political landscape of Uttarakhand. His songs resonate deeply with the life of the local populace, drawing listeners into the rich tapestry of experiences that characterize this unique Himalayan region.
From a young age, Negi nurtured a fervent passion for music, often attending traditional folk events to immerse himself in the melodies of local singers. This early exposure, combined with the encouragement from his mother, culminated in the creation of his first song in 1974. His educational journey began in an unconventional setting, attending a girls’ school from first to fourth grade before transitioning to a different institution at the request of the school’s principal. Interestingly, during his school and college years, Negi did not sing in public, a passion that ignited later in life when he began his career as a government employee. It was through this employment that he discovered his musical voice, learning the Tabla from his nephew, Ajit Singh Negi.
A pivotal moment in Negi’s life occurred during a poignant visit to Lehmann Hospital in Herbertpur, where he wrote his first song while awaiting his father’s eye surgery amid heavy rains. Those initial lyrics, steeped in emotion, marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see him become a household name. By 1976, he had caught the attention of Keshav Sharma from Akashvani, who encouraged him to pursue singing, leading to his debut as a casual artist. Since then, he has released over a thousand songs, with a diverse range that includes Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari languages, as well as contributions to regional cinema with hits in films like ‘Chakrachal’ and ‘Gharjawai’.
Negi’s songs often carry a potent social commentary, influencing political landscapes in Uttarakhand. His 2007 hit ‘Nauchami Narayana’ reportedly contributed to the downfall of the Congress government, while ‘Ab Kathaga Khailo’ similarly swayed public sentiment against the BJP in 2012. His commitment to social issues was further highlighted before the 2011 assembly elections when he released a video song that addressed rampant corruption. Despite facing personal challenges, including a major heart attack in 2017, Negi utilized his recovery period to express gratitude to his fans through poetry. His dedication to culture and the environment has remained unwavering, as seen in his support for initiatives that protect the Himalayas and promote awareness of local issues.
With a career that spans decades, Negi’s artistic journey is marked not only by his musical achievements but also by his role as a government employee, where he once garnered unwarranted attention from villagers eager for his autograph during an official visit. He has continuously sought to engage with the younger generation, emphasizing their responsibility to preserve local culture and language. His songs convey the struggles of migration from Uttarakhand’s villages, reflecting his deep connection to his roots. As he once remarked, the ideal age for writing romantic songs is 60, underscoring his belief in the richness of life experiences. Today, Narendra Singh Negi stands as a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for cultural expression and social change, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.