Kathmandu:

Princess Jayanti Achievement Award 2006 was given to three outstanding female students of Bachelor’s level in Hotel Management graduating from the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) at Hotel de l’Annapurna on August 4. The programme was graced by Kumar Gorakh Shumser Jung Bahadur Rana as the chief guest.

The award was established by Hotel de l’Annapurna in the year 2002 in memory of late princess Jayanti in honour of her contribution to the social sector and promoting of tourism in the country. The award aims to develop careers of women in the tourism sector.

First year topper Lhakpa Yangjee Sherpa and second year topper Sharmila Pun received a cash prize of Rs 30,000 each and a certificate. The third year topper Suchitra Rajbhanshi received a cash prize of Rs 30,000 and a gold medal of three tolas.

The organisers believe that the award will motivate these women to follow the path of social service and tourism promotion shown by princess Jayanti and also encourage quality and competitiveness in the next batch of students.

Since the year 1999, NATHM, which is affiliated to Tribhuvan University, has been conducting three-year Bachelor’s programme in Hotel Management. A total of 154 students have passed out in its four batches, and among them 34 per cent are women.