KATHMANDU: For their remarkable contribution in the field of Nepali art, music and literature, four literary figures were felicitated

by the Lunkaran Das-Ganga Devi Chaudhary Academy for Art and Literature at a programme at the Russian Cultural Centre on

September 11.

Analyst Govinda Bhatta was honoured with the Itihas Siromani Baburam Acharya Shodhsamman

for his contribution in the field of analysis in Nepali literature. Seventy-one-year-old Bhatta said, “Development of literature is required for the overall development of a nation. This sector is still not developed in our country.”

For his five-decade-long service to Nepal Classical music, Gopalnath Yogi received the Narayan Gopal Sangeetsamman. Likewise, the academy awarded Saraswotisamman to poet Krishnabhusan Bala honouring his three-decade-long contribution in the field of modern Nepali poems. Another award, Nepal Nawapratibha Puraskar was given to young film

editor Banish Shah, who has been involved in editing of Nepali films for the last 10 years.

Historian Gyanmani Nepal said, “Unless there is intellectual awareness, we cannot imagine the development of our nation. Art and literature is the effective medium to bring about this awareness.”

Basanta Chaudhary, Chairman of the Academy said, “We hope these awards will encourage artistes to work incessantly and show their creativity.”

The academy has been giving these awards for the last 14 years.