Kathmandu:

It was a Valentine’s Day with a difference here at the St Xavier’s College, Maitighar. The love being celebrated here was not the one of two hearts pierced by Cupid’s arrow. It was the love students had for a very lovely teacher, none other than Father Eugene Watrin.

The St Xavier’s Music committee held the second annual Father Watrin Memorial

Music Honour. It is a student initiative that was begun last year to pay tribute to a music maestro in memory of their beloved teacher. Literateur Kamal Mani Dixit was the chief guest at the programme.

Bhakta Raj Acharya, a rare talent in music, was honoured this year for his immense contribution to the Nepali music industry. The award comprised a trophy, cash prize of Rs 15,000 along with a citation.

Trained in music from Alahabad, India, Acharya, a versatile singer, has more than 450 songs, including bhajans and contemporary songs, to his credit. Out of these 450, he has given music to 425 songs.

Father Watrin is remembered as the person who loved Nepali people and culture and made the most remarkable contribution to the education and social sectors in Nepal.

At the programme, the students not only paid respect to the musical talent but also demonstrated their own talent in singing, dance and music.