The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS), New South Wales Chapter, organized a global poetry competition in honour of International Everest Day. The event was held digitally via Zoom on Saturday, June 7, and was presided over by travel writer Prateek Dhakal.
The competition featured the recitation of 31 poems centered on the theme “Protection of Everest and the Himalayan Region.” Poets from various countries—including Nepal, Australia, Oceania, Europe, and America—joined the session to present their works. A total of 35 poems were submitted, out of which 32 poets took part in the competition.
The panel of judges included former INLS Central President, poet Govardhan Pooja; INLS Senior Vice President, poet Lalgopal Subedi; and Bharti Gautam.
Rajesh Sapkota from Norway won the first prize and received 300 USD and a certificate. Nirjala Lamsal from Nuwakot and Prajwal Adhikari from Lamjung were awarded consolation prizes of 100 USD each, along with certificates.
The organizers announced that the top ten poems—by Prem Paudel, Rajesh Sapkota, Nirjala Lamsal, Prajwal Adhikari, Bijayita Bhandari, Prakash Sapkota (not recited), Yashoda Adhikari, Astha Bhattarai, Buddhmani Dhakal, D.I.B. Sikaru, and Lavin Rai (pen name Anam Upekshit)—will be published in Anesās Darpan, the online magazine of INLS.
The event was chaired by INLS Central President Sarbagya Wagle and hosted by Prakash Paudel, President of the INLS New South Wales Chapter. INLS General Secretary Raju Sitaula delivered the welcome speech.
