Banira Foundation has announced awards for three distinguished writers in recognition of their contributions to Nepali literature and arts.
The Banira Pragya Puraskar will be conferred upon Prof. Ram Kumar Panday, who has dedicated over six decades to Nepali language and literature while also contributing significantly to higher education in Nepal.
Similarly, the Banira Shankar Puraskar will be awarded to Shashi Shah, who has been devoted to painting for the past seventy years and has brought international recognition to Nepal through his artistic achievements.
The award was established in honor of the late poet and novelist Dr. Vanira Giri, who passed away on May 24, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. Both the awards carry a cash prize of NPR 100,000 each.
Additionally, the Banira Puraskar, with a cash prize of NPR 50,000, will be presented to poet Krishna Bause for his lifelong dedication to poetry and significant contributions to the enrichment of Nepali literature.
The decision was made during a meeting of the foundation, chaired by Indira Prasai, in the presence of E. Shankar Giri, the foundation’s founder and patron.