KATHMANDU, JANUARY 28 Renowned Nepali-American writer Passang Nuru Sherpa has been honoured by the Federal Executive Committee of the Nepal Sherpa Association in recognition of his growing international literary achievements, including winning a prestigious book award in the United States. At a special ceremony held in Ilam, the Association presented an honour certificate acknowledging Sherpa's contribution to literature and his role in bringing the Sherpa community and Nepali narratives to a global audience. Born in Solukhumbu and currently based in the United States, Sherpa was unable to attend the event in person. The certificate was received on his behalf by his elder sister Lakpa Phuti Sherpa, recognised as Nepal's first Sherpa writer. Sherpa won the Best Book Award 2025 for his memoir Behind the Mask: A Pandemic Memoir at the 22nd edition of the American Book Fest Awards, one of the world's largest international book award programmes. His work was selected as outstanding among mainstream, independent and self-published titles. While presenting the honour, Lakpa Thinley Sherpa, President of the Association's Federal Executive Committee, said Sherpa's creative work has elevated the pride of the Sherpa community and contributed significantly to the international recognition of Nepali literature. He also highlighted Sherpa's earlier memoir-based book Corona Katha, which portrays American life, Nepali society and social realities in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it too has received major international recognition. The honour comes amid growing global acclaim for Behind the Mask. The memoir has received a highly regarded review from Kirkus Reviews, one of the world's most influential authorities in professional book criticism, established in 1933. Kirkus praised the work for its intimate storytelling, emotional depth and authentic depiction of resilience within immigrant communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Set in Jackson Heights, New York-one of the areas hardest hit during the pandemic-the book is based on Sherpa's personal diary entries. It chronicles daily life during lockdowns, capturing fear, uncertainty and solidarity within the Nepali diaspora. Drawing from his experiences as a barber and salon owner, Sherpa documents community conversations, shortages of essential supplies, psychological isolation and grassroots relief efforts. The English edition of the memoir was translated from Nepali by Mahesh Paudyal and Peter Gill. Kirkus described the book as 'an intimate, heartfelt portrait of one New York City community's struggles and resilience,' noting its reflections on Nepali culture, migration and collective compassion. According to Lakpa G. Sherpa, General Secretary of the Nepal Sherpa Association, the organisation expressed gratitude for the author's continued creativity, his deep connection to Nepali society and the Sherpa community, and his spirit of tolerance, while wishing him greater success in the future. Beyond his literary work, Passang Nuru Sherpa is also known for his community service during the pandemic, when he helped deliver food, medicines and essential supplies to vulnerable residents in Jackson Heights. His memoir reflects these frontline experiences, presenting a collective community narrative rather than a single personal account.