Parashu-Kalpana honour presented to Kharel

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 24: The 'Parashu–Kalpana Srashta Samman, 2082,' has been conferred on senior lyricist Kiran Kharel. The honour was established in memory of renowned story writer Parashu Pradhan.

At an event, organised by the Nepal Srashta Samaj in the capital on Saturday, senior critic Dr. Dayaram Shrestha presented the award to Kharel. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 111,111. 

Dr. Shrestha emphasised the need to reassess Parasu Pradhan's stories. "In my view, his works should now be reviewed and evaluated from a new perspective," he remarked.

Lyricist Raman Ghimire noted that despite attaining higher education, Kharel chose to dedicate himself entirely to songwriting. Ghimire also praised him as a skilled announcer and remarked that Kharel himself is like an institution of Nepali songwriting.

Recalling the relationship between Kharel and Pradhan, writer Shailendra Sakar said, "It was Kiran Kharel who helped broadcast Parashu Pradhan’s stories in lyrical form on Radio Nepal."

Lyricist Dinesh Adhikari highlighted Kharel’s contributions, describing him as a calm yet persistent creator, like a winter stream. He credited Kharel for elevating Nepali songs to their present stature.

Editor-in-Chief of Barakhari Media, Pratik Pradhan, shared that the award was established by him and his siblings in memory of their father, Parashu Pradhan. "It is his literary contribution that brought us to where we are today," he said. "His life moved forward through literature, and so did ours. We learned from him that writers are the jewels of society."

Writer Pawan Alok spoke about Parashu Pradhan’s role in the establishment of Nepal Srashta Samaj, mentioning that Pradhan was also his mentor. 

The society’s president Shriom Shrestha Rodan remarked that a creator lives long not by publishing many books but by producing works that deeply touch readers. "Parashu Pradhan contributed immensely and always encouraged the younger generation," he said. "Srasta Samaj itself was established based on his vision." 

At the event, speakers Dr. Shantimaya Giri, Pradip Sapkota and others spoke about the awardee.