Prakash Thamsuhang’s essay collection Shabdathum has received the ‘Kavi Bimal Kriti Puraskar 2080.’ Shabdathum was chosen by the award selection committee from among books published in Nepali, both from Nepal and abroad, within 2080.
The award distribution ceremony was held on Saturday at Bimal Gurung Memorial Library on the occasion of Kavi Bimal Gurung’s 53rd birth anniversary and the 33rd National Poetry Festival. Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nepal Sanskrit University, Dr. Bhim Khatiwada, and Chairperson Purna Bahadur Gurung presented Thamsuhang with a bronze plaque, a traditional shawl, and a cash prize of NPR 200,000.
Thamsuhang debuted with his poetry collection Palamko Murchann, and Shabdathum marks his second work. The selection committee noted that Shabdathum celebrates the power of words, presenting themes that span indigenous awareness to global reflection and analysis. The committee described the work as an affirmation of the power of words, comparable to sacred texts such as the Yakthung Mundhum, the Hindu Vedas, the Christian Bible, the Muslim Quran, and the Buddhist Tripitaka.
The essays in Shabdathum advocate for an egalitarian society, portraying the beauty of social harmony and highlighting the indigenous culture, consciousness, and lifestyle of eastern Nepal. Thamsuhang expressed that his essays aim to voice the indigenous spirit, culture, and way of life of his homeland, spotlighting the marginalized awareness of his region and conveying the essence of his native soil.
Thamsuhang, who also serves as President of the Yakthung Writers’ Association, shared his appreciation for the award, stating that he views it as an honor and a responsibility rather than a burden. The ceremony was coordinated by Library Vice President Pradeep Menyangbo.
Also honored during the event was young writer and journalist Vivek Vibhash Regmi from Itahari Tarahara, who received the Kavi Bimal Gurung Memorial Library Youth Honor, which included a cash prize of NPR 10,000, a shawl, and a certificate. Other honorees included Sikkimese writer T.V. Chandra Subba, 103-year-old Dil Maya Gurung, and Biren Gurung.
At the 33rd National Poetry Festival, Anjan Pradeep (Pradeep Dhungana) from Nawalparasi won first place with his poem Sapana (“Dream”). Shanti Khimdung Limbu, currently residing in London, secured second place with her poem Themes Nadiko Kinara Kinara (“Along the Banks of the Thames”), and Samiksha Chiling Rai from Morang came in third with her poem Phool ra Ma (“The Flower and I”). The winners received cash prizes of NPR 21,000, NPR 18,000, and NPR 17,000, respectively, along with certificates.
The poetry panel included Devendra Khapung “Surkeli,” Sundar Kurup, and online judge Kavita Rai “Gaule” from Australia. Additionally, writer Shashi Lumumba shared insights about Kavi Bimal Gurung, recounting that the poet tragically passed away in a bus accident in Dhading’s Jukepani on April 6, 2048, at the age of 19. In his memory, his father, a British Gurkha, Purnabahadur Gurung, and his family established the Kavi Bimal Memorial Library at Buddha Chowk, Dharan.
