Two Awards Presented on Yogmaya Day

Kathmandu. On the occasion of Yogmaya Day, two awards in Yogmaya's name were presented.

At a program organized by Nepal Sresta Samaj in the capital on Monday, veteran story writer Maya Thakuri was honored with the 'Yogmaya Rastriya Nari Sresta Samman' and Ninu Chapagain was honored with the 'Yogmaya Nyaupane Abhiyanta Rastriya Samman'.

These awards were presented by veteran literary journalist and litterateur Rochak Ghimire, Shriom Shrestha 'Rodan', Pawan Alok, Rekha Kandel, Rajesh Nyaupane, and others. Both these awards include a cash prize of fifty thousand one hundred and one rupees along with a certificate.

Chief guest Rochak Ghimire, while presenting the award, said, 'Yogmaya was an exceptional personality who struggled against autocracy. Her role in fighting social ills as a strong woman is invaluable. Today, Nepal Sresta Samaj has honored itself by selecting deserving recipients for the award. Thanks to the founders of Nyaupane Bandhu Samaj. Congratulations to the two honored individuals.'

Similarly, a collection of articles written about Yogmaya Nyaupane, 'Yogmaya Itihas Dekhi Bartaman Samma', was also launched at the same program. The editor of this work is Pradip Sapkota. Honored creator Thakuri said she felt proud to receive the award. She also became nostalgic, recalling her childhood.

Another honored personality, Chapagain, said that although the distance between where Yogmaya was born and where she was born was not far, she only learned about Yogmaya much later. He said, 'More research needs to be done about Yogmaya. She was a revolutionary poet, hence she could question Nepal's laws and politics at that time.'

Award founder Pawan Alok discussed Yogmaya's contribution.

Another founder, Rajesh Nyaupane, said that Yogmaya's contribution is still equally relevant today.

Ilya Bhattarai discussed the honored personalities. During the discussion, it was also mentioned that Maya Thakuri was a singer on Radio Kharsang and Radio Nepal in the past. She also informed that her works are included in the curriculum of various universities in India and schools in Nepal.

Similarly, Chapagain was discussed as a personality capable of walking alongside literature and politics, and information was given about his contribution to the Ralphali movement and criticism. Balram Nyaupane, Chairman of Nyaupane Bandhu Samaj Nepal, informed that they are working to publicize Yogmaya's contributions and declare her a national hero, and congratulated the two honored individuals. He also expressed hope that the work launched today would bring Yogmaya's contributions to everyone.

Singer Bhattarai expressed the view that Yogmaya's words are equally relevant in today's context. A musical video composed by Yogmaya was also presented at the program. The music and vocals were by singer Lochan Bhattarai.

Among the guests were Nepal Sresta Samaj's advisor Prof. Dr. Laxmiprasad Gautam, former president Chandraprasad Bhattarai, Bidhan Acharya, Rama Sharma, Bagmati Province Coordinator Shankar Bharti, Koshi Province President Krishnaprasad Bhandari Marseli, Gandaki Province President Rita Nyaupane, among others.

The program, co-organized by Nyaupane Bandhu Samaj Nepal, was presided over by the society's president Shriom Shrestha 'Rodan'. Gopi Krishna Nyaupane gave the vote of thanks at the program. Prakash Ghayal delivered the welcome speech in the program conducted by Pradip Sapkota.

The founder of Yogmaya Rastriya Nari Sresta Samman is Pawan Alok. So far, 18 individuals have been honored with this award. Similarly, 9 individuals have been honored with the Yogmaya Nyaupane Abhiyanta Rastriya Samman, and its founder includes Rajesh Nyaupane.

It is noteworthy that Nepal Sresta Samaj has been celebrating Yogmaya Smriti Diwas with various programs in collaboration with Nyaupane Bandhu Samaj Nepal for the past few years.