KATHMANDU: Literary figures Tara Nath Sharma and Nayan Raj Pandey have been awarded the 'Padmashree Sadhana Samman' and 'Padmashree Sahitya Puraskar' respectively for their contribution to the development of literature through writing.

Pandey was awarded for his autobiographical 'Yaar'.

President of Khemlal Harikala Lamichhane Social Welfare Academy, Chitwan, Jiba Lamichhane and his mother Harikala jointly presented the awards to the awardees amid a function here on Wednesday.

Established in 2063 BS by the Academy and given every year to two literary figures, both the awards carry a purse of Rs 200,000 each and a certificate of appreciation.