KATHMANDU: Two Nepalis -- Kanchan Amatya and Krishna Gautam -- have been honoured with the prestigious Diana Memorial Award for their endless social and humanitarian work. Established in the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, after her death in 1997 AD, the award has been honouring young people who are actively involved in humanitarian efforts. The award is supported by the members of the British royal family, Diana's two sons -- the Duke of Cambridge Prince William and the Duke of Sussex Prince Harry. Amatya and Gautam will also be presented with an invitation to Althorp House, Princess Diana’s childhood home. These invitations are gifted to Diana Award Holders in kind by Princess Diana's brother Earl Spencer, in recognition of their continuation of Diana’s legacy.

Previously, Amatya also coordinated efforts with the World Bank, United Nations and co-led the Youth Assembly at the United Nations’ Resolution Committee working extensively with youths, grassroots advocates, survivors of gender-based violence across South Asia. Meanwhile, Gautam who established 'Laxmi Pratisthan’ a non-profit organisation with his father has been supporting vulnerable communities across Nepal. Gautam has also worked in distributing relief materials and building houses for the victims of 2015 earthquakes and has organised medical camps benefitting over 3,000 patients. Currently, Gautam is planning to set up and run a hostel that provides food, clothes, shelter and free education to as many as 164 children from marginalised communities free of cost. Amatya and Gautam were presented with the distinction on the occasion of late Princess Diana’s 58th Birthday.