Madhupark honours Udas, Sapkota and Singh

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 14: Three literary figures were awarded on the occasion of the 57th anniversary of Madhupark, a literary monthly magazine published by Gorkhapatra Corporation, on Friday.

The Madhupark Samman 2082 was conferred on veteran poet Gyan Udas in the poetry category, senior storyteller Dhruba Sapkota in the fiction category, and senior writer Padmavati Singh in the open talent category at a ceremony organised in the capital. 

Noted literary figure Dr. Rajendra Bimal, and Executive Chairman of Gorkhapatra Corporation, Bishnu Prasad Subedi, jointly presented the awards, each carrying a purse of Rs. 50,000.

Speaking at the event, chief guest Dr. Bimal said that Madhupark has played a major role in establishing him as a writer. He emphasised that at a time when the state of Nepali literature is worrisome, such events organised by Madhupark are highly commendable.

He added, “The number of students studying literature at universities is declining. The number of professors is also decreasing. In such a situation, the recognition and respect shown by Gorkhapatra to my fellow writers is a valuable contribution to the enrichment of Nepali literature.”

Executive Chairman Subedi expressed pride for geeting an opportunity to honour senior literary figures, stating that Madhupark carries the entire history of Nepali literature.

“Madhupark has witnessed every rise and fall of Nepali literature. It is also a school of Nepali literature,” he said. 

He also shared that plans were underway to enhance Madhupark by increasing the number of pages and expanding its reach through digital platforms.

The three awardees were selected by a committee coordinated by senior writer Krishna Gautam.  Acting Editor of Madhupark Tribhuvan Chandra Wagle and Associate Editor Laxmi Khatiwada were members in the committee. 

According to Gautam, the selection was based on factors such as creativity, integrity, age, and dedication to the literary field.

Gautam expressed concern over the growing disinterest among students in the fields of history, literature, and philosophy, noting that some departments under Humanities are on the verge of shutting down due to a lack of students.

Acting Editor Wagle credited the enduring affection of veteran writers for helping the magazine achieve its prestigious standing in Nepali literature. “We believe Madhupark will continue to receive such affection in the days to come,” he said.

After receiving the award, writer Padmavati Singh expressed that the honour from Madhupark, which has made a significant contribution to preserving the Nepali language, literature, and culture, has inspired her to continue writing with even greater dedication.

Another awardee, Dhruva Sapkota, expressed gratitude, saying that Madhupark had supported him by publishing his work since its inception, and that being honoured with the award added further respect to that relationship.

Similarly, poet Gyan Udas recalled that his works began appearing in Madhupark as early as 1970 and lamented that the younger generation has not been successfully inspired toward literary creation.