KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 20

Chhatra Karki, a senior science journalist and editor, was awarded the esteemed 'Science and Technology Journalism Award 2024' by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology for his significant contribution to promoting science journalism in Nepal.

The award was presented by Minister Bidhya Bhattarai during the 12th National Science Day celebration held at the National Nature Conservation Auditorium in Khumaltar, Lalitpur. The recognition includes a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 and a certificate.

In her address, Minister Bhattarai emphasized the importance of science and technology for national progress, noting that the ministry is actively collaborating with associations to promote ICT usage across government bodies, local levels, schools, and other agencies. 'A country cannot progress without the development of science and technology,' she stated.

Karki, the founding president of the Nepal Forum of Science Journalists (NFSJ), has over two decades of experience in various media platforms, including newspapers, multimedia, and online news portals. He covers topics ranging from science and climate change to environmental health and current affairs for both national and international outlets. He served as Editor for NepalNews, Nepal's first online News portal for a year in 2020.

Currently serving as Vice President of Montreal, Canada based World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ), Karki is involved in initiatives such as the 'Meet the Scientist' series, the Science Journalism Mentorship Program, and various workshops aimed at fostering science journalism among young reporters in Nepal.