By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 13: On the occasion of the 57th anniversary of the Madhuparka literary magazine, published by the Gorkhapatra Corporation, three litterateurs were honoured amid a programme in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

The ‘Madhuparka Samman-2081’ was presented to senior litterateurs Prof. Krishna Gautam, Manju Kanchuli, and Kishore Pahadi for their contributions to the Nepali literature. Gautam was awarded for his contributions to the prose genre (Gadhya Bidha), while Kanchuli received the award for her contributions to the poetry genre (Padhya Bidha). 

Likewise, ‘Madhuparka Pratibha Puraskar’ (Talent award) was presented to Pahadi.  All three honourees received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each.

The award ceremony was inaugurated by poet, essayist, and literary critic Basudev Tripathi.

Madhuparka has honoured about 50 literary writers so far. 

Litterateur Pramod Pradhan highlighted the contributions of all three awardees during the programme, emphasising their roles in the development and promotion of Nepali language and literature.

He also underscored the pivotal role of the Madhuparka literary magazine in fostering many literary figures in Nepali literature and its unprecedented contribution to the development of litterateurs and literature.

All three awardees expressed their gratitude and happiness for the recognition of their works and highlighted how Madhuparka had helped many litterateurs establish themselves in the literary field. Literary critic Basudev Tripathi noted that the publications of Gorkhapatra Corporation had always been a significant part of Nepali literature and that Madhuparka had become a beacon of hope for many literary aspirants, helping them establish themselves in Nepali literature.

Speaking at the programme, Bishnu Subedi, Executive Chairman of Gorkhapatra Corporation, said that Madhuparka was not just a monthly magazine but a great school of learning. Numerous litterateurs have emerged from Madhuparka and continue to contribute to the development of Nepali literary writers, he noted. 

Likewise, Lal Bahadur Airi, General Manager of Gorkhapatra Corporation, said that while literature’s power could not be measured, it possessed a soft power that helped transform society in many ways. He emphasised that the Madhuparka literary magazine had become a force to promote Nepali literature and to help transform society through literature.

Meanwhile, outgoing editor-in-chief of Madhuparka Jaya Dev Bhattarai was also honoured at the programme.

In addition to the award distribution, Madhuparka has conducted literary discussions on various literary issues starting this year.