KATHMANDU: President Ram Baran Yadav on Sunday conferred the ‘Natikaji Award and Honour-2072’ to a bevy of individuals who made important contributions to Nepal’s music sector.

At a ceremony held at Shital Niwas, President Yadav conferred the ‘Natikaji Special Artiste Honour’ with a cash prize of Rs 20,000 to classical musician Pandit Bhawanath Sharma. Likewise, the ‘Natikaji Special Honour’ was conferred on Shanti Thatal, Madhav Khanal ‘Bhabuk’, Kamala Shrestha, Dinesh Adhikari, Ganesh Rasik and Bishwombhar Pyakurel.

The ‘Natikaji Music Award’ was conferred on Dhanendra Bimal, Tara Thapa and Bhupendra Rayamahji, while the ‘Natikaji Youth Music Talent Award’ went to Navaraj Lamsal, Juna Prasai and Sarita Mishra.

The artistes were given Rs 11,111 each in cash prize. Gambu Sherpa and Manohar Sunam were honoured with appreciation letters. At the programme organised by the Natikaji Memorial Society, President Yadav released a CD album of Bhajans by the late Natikaji.