Creators and Distinguished Personalities Honoured at Milap Magazine’s Special Ceremony in Kathmandu

Creators, artists and distinguished personalities who have made longstanding contributions to Nepali art, literature, music, journalism, cinema and social service were honoured at a special ceremony in Kathmandu on Thursday.

Organised by Milap Monthly Magazine, the event featured the exchange of greetings on the occasions of Dashain, Tihar, Chhath and Nepal Sambat 1147, along with the presentation of the Tika-Gopal National Song and Music Award 2083 and several other honours and awards.

The ceremony was held under the chief patronage of three distinguished figures of Nepali cinema and arts—Tridevi Chaitdevi Singh, Basundhara Bhusal and Bhuwan Chand. Various personalities who have made remarkable contributions to Nepali art, literature, music, journalism, cinema, social service and cultural preservation were recognised on the occasion.

At the event, renowned epic poet Khem Nath Dahal was presented with the Tika-Gopal National Song and Music Award 2083. The award, established by popular singer and music composer Kanhaiya Singh and vocalist Madhuri Anjana Gurung in the names of their parents, Tika and Gopal, was presented to Dahal in recognition of his contributions to Nepali literature, music and creative expression.

The award was jointly presented by the chief guests, Krishna Bhusal, editor of Milap Monthly and chairperson of the programme, Geeta Singh, chairperson of the Tika-Gopal Foundation, and veteran music composer Santosh Shrestha, among others.

The organisers stated that the award aims to recognise creative dedication and honour individuals who have devoted their lives to promoting national songs and music.

Personalities featured on the cover of Milap Monthly were also specially recognised under the Milap Cover Honour. The recipients included Urmila Shrestha, Bikram Bhakta Joshi, Raju Singh, Khem Nath Dahal, Ambika Gurung, Uttam KC, Basanta Bityasi Thapa, Devendra Bajgain, Sumina Shrestha, Nishita Joshi, Rashmi Pandey, Raj Tiger, Sunita Kunwar, Manoj Pariyar and Sandeep Bhujel.

Similarly, the Milap Honour was presented to several individuals for their notable contributions to art, literature, journalism, social service and other fields. The recipients included Dr Mohanlal Ghising, Sitaram Pokharel, RP Pant, Gopal Kaji Kayastha, Bijay Ratna Tuladhar, Binod Devkota, Saroj Bastola, Manju Lawati, Shashi Lumumbu, Radhakumari Dahal, Yograj Pandey 'Ranjan', Ashok Baral, Shanti Gurung, Basanti Sada Shankar, Bindira Shrestha, Swastika Panthi and Suman Sapkota, among others.

Speakers at the programme highlighted that Nepali art, literature and music are important carriers of national identity, language, culture and social awareness. They stressed the need to properly recognise the contributions of creators and artists, noting that such programmes not only enhance the dignity of Nepal's creative sector but also inspire younger generations to pursue careers in art, literature and music.

Chief guest Basundhara Bhusal said that creators play a vital role in the development and preservation of Nepali arts. She praised the initiative to honour their contributions and expressed confidence that such programmes would bring together talented individuals from different fields while promoting mutual goodwill and collaboration.

Award recipient Dahal expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising his contributions. Sharing his thoughts on worldly and spiritual life, he said that he had never pursued literary creation with the intention of receiving awards or honours. Rather, the recognition had come as a result of his continuous dedication and work.

Likewise, former president of the International Nepali Literary Society and chairperson of the Literary Journalists' Association, Radheshyam Lekhali; Film Development Board member Ganesh Subedi; and adviser to the Tika-Gopal National Song and Music Award and veteran music composer Santosh Shrestha delivered congratulatory remarks.

They praised Milap Monthly for its continued efforts to promote Nepali art, literature and music and recognise the contributions of creators. They also shared their perspectives on various contemporary issues.

Executive Editor of Milap Monthly Geeta Adhikari delivered the welcome address, while director Madhav Raj Kharel hosted the programme. Child artist Kabya Adhikari added charm to the ceremony with a welcome dance performance. Tokens of appreciation were also presented to the chief guests and other distinguished personalities.

The ceremony was attended by senior literary figure Lekhnath Pokharel, general secretary of the International Nepali Literary Society Nepal Chapter Ramesh Dahal, senior journalist Sanukaji Shrestha, Tulsi Giri 'Bhavuk', Dabbu Chhetri, Nimesh Gautam, literary figure Shailendra Chapagain, Sabita Behosi, senior journalist and lyricist Shantipriya, veteran artist Laya Sangraula, actress and singer Sarika Ghimire, director Ramsharan Koirala and actor Shridev Bhattarai, among other personalities from the fields of art, literature, journalism and entertainment.

Concluding the programme, chairperson and editor of Milap Monthly Krishna Bhusal said that recognising the contributions of creators and dedicated practitioners is an important foundation for preserving and promoting Nepali art, literature and culture.

He reaffirmed the magazine's commitment to continuing its initiative of encouraging talented individuals from diverse fields and bringing them together on a common platform. Milap Monthly has been in continuous publication for the past 17 years.