Federation of Nepali Journalists UK Branch Prepares for 15th Anniversary Celebration

London. The Federation of Nepali Journalists UK Branch has stated that all necessary preparations have been completed to successfully hold its 15th annual celebration and establishment day on Friday, July 10.

The branch's executive committee meeting unanimously decided to present this year's 'Journalism Award of the Year 2026' to veteran journalist Sonam Chhiring Sherpa, who has been active since the early days of Nepali journalism in the UK and has made significant contributions.

This decision was made based on the recommendation of the award recommendation committee formed under the convenership of founding president and advisor Nabin Pokharel. The committee included senior journalist Khagendra Nepali, former president and advisor Naresh Khapangi Magar, Dhurbaraj Aryal, and branch president Bimla Senay as members.

Similarly, the meeting decided to present a special award to former Gurkha soldier, world-record-holding mountaineer, inspirational speaker, and disability rights activist Hari Budha Magar in recognition of his indomitable courage, strong willpower, and the inspirational contribution he has made to society.

Likewise, writer, poet, and president of International Association of Art and Culture for Peace (IAACP) and Universal Peace Federation UK, Dr. Sangeeta Shrestha 'Swechha', who has been making significant contributions to the international promotion of Nepali art, literature, and culture, will be honored for her contributions to the creation, research, and international promotion of Nepali literature.

The meeting also decided to implement the report submitted by the committee formed to resolve and facilitate the internal dispute that arose after the branch's general convention, with some amendments, as per the letter from the Federation of Nepali Journalists central committee. The committee included veteran journalist Bhagirath Yogi, former presidents Nabin Pokharel, Chiran Sharma, Naresh Khapangi Magar, Dhurbaraj Aryal, and branch president Bimla Senay as member secretary.

The meeting also decided to open new memberships of the branch from August 2026, as per the recommendations of the report and the Federation's bylaws. The branch has stated that detailed information regarding this will be published after the establishment day program.

Furthermore, the meeting decided to appoint Vipin Niroula, a founding member of the branch, as an advisor to the branch. It was also decided that misleading content that Niroula has been publicizing through various media, as well as the email and Facebook page operated in the branch's name, should be immediately closed with self-criticism.

A blood donation program will also be organized on the occasion of the establishment day, and interested individuals have been requested to contact and register their names. On this occasion, a theme song on journalism, compiled with lyrics and composition by the branch's senior vice-president and program coordinator Narendra Basnet, will also be released. The vocals for this song were generated using AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology.

According to program coordinator Basnet, the branch has been organizing its establishment day continuously under its own coordination since its 10th establishment day. He stated that the tradition of honoring and awarding individuals who have made significant contributions in communication, social, and various other fields on the occasion of the establishment day will be continued this year as well.