The longlist for the ‘Sahityapost Uttam Kavya Puraskar 2081’ has been announced. Presented by Sahityapost, the award is dedicated to recognizing debut poets who have entered the Nepali literary landscape with their first poetry collections.
Out of 42 debut poetry collections published in 2081 and submitted to Sahityapost, 12 works have been selected for the longlist. These works were evaluated based on scores provided by journalists, writers, editors, and well-wishers associated with Sahityapost. The preliminary selection was made by a team of primary judges.
The 12 longlisted debut poetry collections are:
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Aura by Rajballabh Koirala
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Navayugki Sumnima by Shakun Aansu
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Prithiviko Shwetpatra by Amardeep Sunuwar
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Bandh Kothako Jhyāl by Hemant Shishir
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Bagdabagdai by Jagannath Paudel
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Ma Timi Aauna Aghinai Gaisakeko Thiẽ by Aryash
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Marubhumima Basanti Yaam by Bipin Pathak
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Mayako Aayatan by Madhusudan Ghimire
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Yauvan Haraayeko Manchhe by DB Sikaroo
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Sapana Ra Chhayaaharu by Ram Adhikari
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Haawama Aljhiyẽko Swar by Sijan Shrestha
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Dhartiko Jun (ghazal collection) by Bibash Paudel
This is a preliminary longlist. Based on these selections, a shortlist will be released in the second phase. In the final round, three outstanding poetry collections from the shortlist will be chosen, and one among them will receive the ‘Sahityapost Uttam Kavya Puraskar’.
The winner will be awarded a cash prize of NPR 50,000 and a certificate of honor.
Ashwini Koirala, coordinator of the award committee and editor-in-chief of Sahityapost, shared that these 12 selected works reflect both the voice of emerging poets and the evolving direction of Nepali poetry. “We’ve felt that the new generation of poets is making significant literary strides,” he said. “The selected works indicate where contemporary poetry is heading.”
The award, first introduced in 2077 as the ‘Sahityapost Uttam Kriti Puraskar’, was awarded to Kedar Bashistha’s Nepal Vidya. In 2078, the award was split into two categories: Uttam Kriti Puraskar and Uttam Kavya Puraskar, which were awarded to Bhawani Khatiwada’s Ghaam Bhanda Pahile and Shanti Priyabandana’s Jil Khairaheko Ekkaisau Shatabdi, respectively.
In 2079, the award expanded into three categories—poetry, fiction, and non-fiction—and was awarded to:
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Muffler (ghazal collection) by Pradeep Rodan (Poetry)
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Yashodhara by Haribol Kafle (Fiction)
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Mutusanga Sahayatra by Dr. Avanibhushan Upadhyay (Non-fiction
Last year, the award went to:
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Ashwatthama Ko Nidhardbat Bagmati Bagchha by Devabrat (Poetry)
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Raipali Bhanyjang by Sagar Khadka (Fiction)
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Buddhakalīn Samaj by Umakant Paudyal (Non-fiction)
As in previous years, three debut works—one from each genre—will be selected this year for the Sahityapost Uttam Puraskar, each receiving NPR 50,000 and a certificate of recognition.
Krisna Dhungel, editor at Sahityapost, emphasized that the 12 longlisted works will now be evaluated by editors responsible for the respective genres, along with independent evaluators. The shortlist will be published based on their scoring. “The panel is committed to ensuring that the debut works recognized through this award are of lasting literary quality,” he said. “We are confident that the final winner will emerge from this strong selection.”
The Sahityapost Uttam Kavya Puraskar is sponsored by popular lyricist and poet Uttam Bhaukaji, who is also known for his professional contributions to education and healthcare sectors.
The longlists for the ‘Sahityapost Uttam Gairakhyan Puraskar’ (Non-Fiction) and ‘Sahityapost Uttam Akhyan Puraskar’ (Fiction) will be announced on May 3 (Saturday) and May 5 (Monday), respectively.
