Bhusal's 'Chhalbato' to receive Padmashree Literary Award

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sep,1: The Padmashree Sahitya Puraskar for 2081 BS will be presented to writer Ramesh Bhusal for his travelogue 'Chhalbato'. It was announced by Khem Lal–Harikala Lamichhane Foundation on Saturday.  

Similarly, the Foundation will present Padmashree Sadhana Samman to Rama Sharma, chairperson of the Nepal Education Council, and the Padmashree Gaurav Puraskar to Abhi Subedi, according to a statement issued by the Foundation’s chair Jiba Lamichhane.

Bhusal’s 'Chhalbato' traces a 2,000-kilometres journey across three countries-- Nepal, China, India-- from Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet to the origin of the Karnali River and down to India’s Ganges. The travelogue incorporates profound reflections on issues such as the flow of the Karnali, border security, local settlements, climate change, wildlife, hydropower projects, and displacement. More than a conventional travel account, it provides a sociological observation of the regions, weaving together themes that range from climate to forests, dams to tigers, and the Dalai Lama to marginalised communities.

The Foundation stated that Rama Sharma, recipient of the Padmashree Sadhana Samman, has dedicated her entire life to the promotion of language, literature, culture, and the arts. She has published around two dozen works, including research studies, critiques, biographies, essays, works on linguistics, and children’s literature.

Likewise, Professor Abhi Subedi, who writes in both Nepali and English, is a distinguished essayist, critic, linguist, playwright, translator, and poet, with nearly three dozen published works to his credit. He remains highly active in literary creation and contemporary writing.

Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 300,000 along with a certificate of honour. 

The awards will be presented on the day of the upcoming Kojagrat Purnima.