Seven senior Nepali writers honoured in Lucknow

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Dec. 30: Seven senior Nepali writers and journalists, including Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj correspondent of Gorkhapatra, were honoured in Lucknow, India. They were felicitated during an International Mushaira, Poetry Symposium, and Creators’ Felicitation Programme organised on Sunday in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, by the organisation “Bazm-e-Paikar Hapudi Lucknow.”

In recognition of his long-standing and significant contribution to strengthening Nepali and Indian literature through journalism, Gorkhapatra correspondent Siraj Khan was honoured with the “Sharar Billarami Award,” named after the late renowned Indian litterateur Sharar Billarami.

The same honour was conferred upon senior literary figures from Banke district, including Dr. Hari Prasad Timilsina, Central Secretary of the Progressive Writers’ Association Nepal; Dr. Rajkumar Tharu, Central Treasurer of Bheri Literary Society; Dr. Pushkar Rizal, President of Hamro Purnima Literary Foundation; Kalpana Poudel Jigyasu of Kalpana Foundation; Rishiram Sapkota; and Tara Rokaya, President of Purnatara Foundation.

The awards were presented by Atik Kasganjvi, Founder of Bazm-e-Paikar Hapudi Lucknow; Shariq Rabbani, President of the Indian Cultural Cooperation and Friendship Association, Uttar Pradesh; and Dr. Hari Prasad Timilsina, Central Secretary of the Writers’ Association Nepal and the programme’s Chief Guest. The honourees were presented with certificates, medals, and symbolic Indian flags. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Timilsina stated that writers and intellectuals from both Nepal and India have been continuously active in strengthening bilateral relations at the grassroots level. He also announced that similar programmes would soon be organised in Nepal to honour Indian literary figures.

The programme was attended by Mrs. Universe 2019 Dr. Nima Pant, Dr. Kusum Chaudhary, President of Bazm-e-Paikar Hapudi Lucknow, and Irshad Rahi, Founder President of Rubaru Foundation, as special guests. The honoured writers and journalists were presented with the “Sharar Billarami Award” and the “Dr. Ibrat Award.”