Madan Puraskar to Be Conferred on Rajbhandari; Jagadamba Shree to Kharel

The Madan Puraskar Guthi has decided to award writer Veena Joshi (Rajbhandari) with the Madan Purakskar-2082 BS in recognition of her work in documenting the traditional ‘Mukundonach’, a centuries-old masked dance tradition of the Newar community.

According to a press statement issued today by Guthi Chairperson Kunda Dixit, the award recognizes Joshi’s work in collecting and documenting the traditional dance, which has been preserved and practiced as part of the community’s cultural heritage.

Established in 2012 BS, the Madan Puraskar is one of the country’s most prestigious literary awards. This year, 298 books were in fray for the coveted Award. Out of which, the Guthi had shortlisted 10, the statement reads. Other shortlisted works and authors were ‘Agyat’ by Keshav Raj Gyawali, ‘Itha’ by Keshav Dahal, ‘Utkarsha’ by Lalit Bista, ‘Nepalmandalsanga Jodiyeko Simraungadhko Simanako Itihas’ by Roshan Kumar Jha, ‘Paridhi’ by Uma Subedi, ‘Mahayug’ by Seema Aavas, ‘Salah’ by Shrawan Mukarung, ‘Swasparsha’ by Dr Nawaraj KC and ‘Hiund’ by Nadisha, according to the press statement.

Jagadamba Shree to lyricist Kharel Meanwhile, veteran lyricist Kiran Kharel, who has devoted six decades to songs writing, would be feted with the Jagadamba Shree Award. Kharel would receive the Award in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the country’s music and literature, said the press statement. The Jagadamba Shree Award is also presented by the Madan Puraskar Guthi since 2045 BS to honour distinguished contributions to Nepali literature, arts and culture. (RSS)