Kathmandu, Feb 13 – A total of 31 individuals were honoured at the Natikaji Rastriya Bishishta Sangeet Samman and Puraskar-2080 distribution ceremony held at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas, on Wednesday.
President Ramchandra Paudel, who presented the awards, emphasized that art, literature, and music serve as unifying forces that foster social harmony, tolerance, and prosperity in Nepal. “Nepal’s ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and geographical diversity is enriched by literature, art, and music, which cultivate love, friendship, and unity,” he said. He also lauded Natikaji’s remarkable contribution to modern Nepali music while preserving folk melodies.
Among the recipients, the Natikaji Rastriya Bishishta Sangeet Samman was awarded to Dhana Lama, Bom Bahadur Karki, Prakash Sayami, Gyanu Radha Gorkhali, Buddha Bir Lama, Diwakar Khadka, lyricist Kiran KC, and singer Yashodha Parajuli.
The Natikaji Rastriya Sangeet Puraskar was conferred upon singers Himal Sagar, Bindhu Pariyar, lyricist B Pandey, musician Ashish Aviral, and composer Samrat Thapa.
Similarly, the Natikaji Rastriya Pratibha Puraskar was presented to Bhola Poudel, David Shankar, Smita Dahal, and Kalyan Singh, while the Natikaji Rastriya Shastriya Sangeet Puraskar was awarded to Dr. Ramesh Pokharel.
Folk singers Ram Prasad Awasthi, Sushma Shahi Thakuri, and Krishna BK received the Natikaji Rastriya Lok Sangeet Puraskar.
Meanwhile, Gorkhapatra Daily’s art journalist Sukreet Nepal and journalist Sushil Aryal were honoured with the Natikaji Rastriya Kala Patrakarita Puraskar, which carries a purse of Rs. 11,111.
Additionally, Bhimal Bhaukaji, Arjun KC, Amir Sunar, Santa Bahadur Giri, Mira Rana, Subas Chandra Dhungel, Bikas Nath Yogi, and Dharma Munikar were recognized with the Natikaji Rastriya Yogdan Samman.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey described Natikaji’s lyrics, compositions, and voice as an “eternal trinity” of Nepali music. He emphasized that Natikaji’s works, infused with patriotism, continue to inspire Nepalis to remain connected to their homeland.
The minister also stressed the crucial role of music, art, and culture in fostering emotional and intangible values while serving as a foundation for Nepal’s physical development and prosperity.
