Kathmandu [Nepal], October 31 – The annual Bimal Gurung Literary Award 2082 will be jointly awarded to writers Bhupeen Khadka and Junu Rana for their respective essay collections, Madhyako Ujyalo and Lahureni Saundarya.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the management committee of the Poet Bimal Gurung Memorial Library in Dharan, according to library chairman Purna Bahadur Gurung.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 2,00,000 which will be divided equally between the two recipients. The awards will be presented on November 5 at the library premises during celebrations marking the 55th birth anniversary of poet Bimal Gurung and the 35th National Poetry Festival.
Khadka’s collection explores the connections between human life, memory, society and nature through 20 essays divided into three sections. Rana’s collection brings together essays, memoirs, travel narratives and social commentary addressing themes including women’s identity, gender-based violence, discrimination, migration and diaspora experiences.
The library will also honour three winners selected from 10 shortlisted poems. The first, second and third-place winners will receive Rs 21,000 Rs 18,000 and Rs 17,000, respectively along with medals and certificates.
A compilation of representative poems by Bimal Gurung, edited by journalist Pradeep Menyangbo will also be launched at the event.
