NSP Sikkim announces SD Dhakal as Bhanu Puraskhar 2025 awardee

Journalist Dilli Ram Dulal to be honoured with Patrakarita Sewa Shri Samman

GANGTOK, : National award-winning litterateur Shankar Deo Dhakal from Sikkim was announced as this year’s prestigious Bhanu Puraskhar awardee by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad (NSP) Sikkim.

NSP Sikkim president Hari Dhungel on Thursday announced Dhakal’s name for the Bhanu Puraskhar 2025, an annual literary award presented by the Parishad since 1985 during the State-level Bhanu Jayanti celebrations in Gangtok. The award consists of a shawl, Tamra Patra, memento and a cash prize of Rs. 51,000.

Similarly, the NSP Sikkim’s Sewa Shri awards would be presented to eight individuals who have vastly contributed to their respective fields. They are Abinarayan Mishra and Chandra Rai (language), Wangdi Tshering Lama (literature), CB Gurung (music), Puspharaj Adhikari (drama), Dilli Ram Dulal (journalism), Paras Rai (art), and Kiran Lama (dance).

Dilli Ram Dulal is a seasoned journalist, editor, and writer from Pakyong district, with over 22 years of experience in print and electronic media. He is currently associated with Gangtok-based Himali Bela Nepali daily.

The awards are to be presented during the 211^th Bhanu Jayanti celebrations being organised by the NSP Sikkim at Manan Kendra, Gangtok on July 13.

On the occasion, the NSP Sikkim is also honouring Puspa Choden Thomas Lepcha and Hishey Rinzing Bhutia with ‘Bhasa Gaurav Samman’ for their valuable contributions in promotion and preservation of Lepcha and Bhutia languages respectively.

The Bhanu Jayanti celebrations will commence in the morning with offering of garlands and tribute to the Adikavi at his statue in Bhanu Park here. Governor Om Prakash Mathur is the chief guest with Chief Minister PS Golay as the special guest for this morning event, the Parishad informed.

Following this, a Shova Yatra will take place with participation of various communities and organisations of Sikkim, culminating at Manan Kendra. The Chief Minister is the chief guest for the afternoon events at Manan Kendra.

As shared by the Parishad, the events at Manan Kendra include presentation of poems, art and folk dance by the winners of the open and inter-school competitions in these three fields, besides presentation of the annual awards.

The NSP Parishad is celebrating the 211^th Bhanu Jayanti centred on the theme of 50^th Statehood Day of Sikkim.