KATHMANDU: To mark the 50th birth anniversary of national talent late Rupak Raj Sharma, a special felicitation programme was held at the Rupak Memorial Foundation, Satdobato on January 28. Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Keshar Bahadur Bista inaugurated this function, which is being organised on a regular basis for the last eight years.

Sambhujeet Baskota, the national musical talent was felicitated this year for his contribution to the Nepali music industry. “I am really touched by this gesture. Rupak was like a brother and friend for me. Getting this felicitation means more than any international or national award to me,” expressed Baskota reminiscing his memories of having Sharma as a friend.

The felicitation includes a citation along with a cash prize of Rs 10,000.

Sharma, who was born in 1955, was declared a national talent posthumously by the government for his immense contribution to the country as a sports person and a dedicated police officer. He died in a very tragic plane crash when he was at the peak of his sports and police career.

The foundation established in his memory has been working towards promoting sports, especially football. The felicitation programme usually honours people who belong to various fields of art. The likes of Kumar Basnet, Madan Das Shrestha and Harihar Sharma are few personalities who have been honoured earlier.