KATHMANDU: Fine art has special connection in our society. It helps us learn about contemporary civilisation as well as gives identity to the society/country. Thus, Society of Fine Art Journalists (SOFAJ) Nepal honoured five journalists along with cash prize of Rs 11,111 each, who have been covering art news in electronic, broadcast, and print media on January 4 at Nepal Art Council, Babermahal.

During the event, Vice-President of Nepal, Nanda Bahadur Pun and President of SOFAJ Keshab Raj Khanal jointly honoured the media person. Journalists Phulman Bal from Kantipur and Manika Jha from Annapurna Post were awarded with ‘Narayan Bahadur Singh Lalitkala Patrakarita Puraskar

2072’. Journalist Dabbu Chhetri from Rajdhani Daily received ‘Park Lalitkala Ptrakarita Puraskar 2072’ as well as Senior Journalist Tanka Prasad Upreti from Nepal Television and Rajman Maharjan of Canvas received ‘SOFAJ Lalitkala Patrakarita Bishesh Samman 2072.’

After receiving the award Upreti reflected, “There are still some errors in art journalism, we lack in depth study and we still need to work to get excellence in the art journalism. Those errors nonetheless can be corrected if we work on it collectively.”

“We have established the award to honour and encourage journalists who are working in different media on art beat to continue their work to promote and explore in the field of Nepali fine arts and culture,” mentioned Khanal.

On the other hand Pun congratulating the journalists shared, “Today’s world is all about communication where media plays a vital role in promotion and development of art and culture. Media helps promote Nepali art and culture in the world and to appreciate and award journalists working in this field is a positive aspect and I congratulate all the award winners.”