Sudarshan-Kapila Award presented to Lachhi

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 20: Culture expert and Nepalbhasa writer Ganesh Ram Lachi was honoured with the Sudarsan–Kapila Sirapa (award)-2082 in Biratnagar, for his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Nepalbhasa, art, and culture.

The honour carries a purse of Rs. 200,000. The award was presented to Lachhi at a special ceremony organised by Nepalbhasa and Cultural Association Jhi Pucha, Biratnagar.

Established in the name of social worker Sudarsan Bahadur Shrestha and his wife Kapila Shrestha, the Sudarsan-Kapila Trust confers this award on individuals or organisation who have made significant contributions to the preservation of Nepalbhasa, art, and culture.

On the occasion, Bhim Parajuli, Minister for Tourism, Forests, and Environment of Koshi Province, presented Lachhi with a ceremonial shawl, the cash prize, and a certificate of honour. 

Addressing the gathering, Minister Parajuli hailed the contributions made by Lachhi and stated that Nepal is a country rich in multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multicultural diversity. "Languages, cultures, arts, and traditions of various communities enrich the nation’s identity," he said. He stressed the need for both government and social institutions to play a more active role in preserving and promoting such indigenous heritage.

Sharad Shrestha, President of the Association, informed that Lachhi was honoured in recognition of his long-standing and continuous contributions to the preservation of Nepalbhasa, Newa art, and cultural traditions. 

It is informed that the Sudarsan-Kapila Sirapa is awarded once every two years. Previous recipients include Satya Mohan Joshi, the Newar Guthi of Sikkim, India, and Newa Khala Kaski of Pokhara.

Speakers at the event also included Santosh Prajapati, President of Dabuli Nepal; cultural expert Surya Narayan Pradhan; Jhi Pucha patron Rajan Shrestha; former presidents of the organisation Hari Bahadur Shrestha and Bhavis Kumar Shrestha; and Suresh Lal Shrestha, spokesperson of the Trust and senior vice president of Jhi Puchah, among others.

On the occasion, a souvenir edited by writer Dinesh Shrestha and his team was also launched. The publication includes various research-based and creative works, articles related to Nepalbhasa, Newar culture, art, and traditions.

The ceremony was followed by cultural performances presented by local artists.