Artists and five journalists honoured in Sunsari

By Our Correspondent ,Inaruwa, Jan. 5: A Folk Art Talent Honour Programme was held in Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Sunsari, recently. 

During the programme, five journalists and more than a dozen artists were honoured for their contributions in their fields.

The honoured journalists included Dumar Lal Mehta, a member of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Morang Branch, along with media professionals Brahmadev Mehta, Rajiv Mehta, Jugesh Das, and Ajay Mandal.

The programme was organised by Appan Biratgadh Propakar Samaj, Biratnagar, with the support of Devanganj Rural Municipality.

The journalists were honoured under the title ‘Maithili Language, Folk Art, Culture and Literature Conservation and Public Awareness Campaign with Folk Art Talent Honour 2082’.

According to the Rural Municipality, the event was conducted as part of the Maithili language, folk art conservation and public awareness campaign.

 The programme recognised individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Maithili language and culture.

The event also featured a variety of cultural performances. Singers Birendra Jha, Saloni Soni, Sakshi Mehta, and Purnima Rani Mehta, along with local children, captivated the audience with songs and dances.

The chief guest, Chairperson of Dewanganj Rural Municipality Bechan Prasad Mehta, and Basudhara Jha, President of the organising institution, honoured the recipients by presenting them with certificates of appreciation.

 An exhibition of Maithili paintings and various cultural artefacts was also organised alongside the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mehta said that such programmes are essential for the preservation of Mithila’s traditional festivals and rituals, including Jitiya and Sama Chakewa. 

He also expressed his commitment that the Rural Municipality would allocate a budget for similar cultural activities in the future.

During the programme, Ward Chairperson of Dewanganj Rural Municipality-2, Jaganarayan Mehta, Secretary of the FNJ, Koshi Province, Arvind Mehta, social activist Amlesh Karn, and others shared their opinions on the importance of preserving the Maithili language, culture, folk heritage, and enhancing public awareness.