KATHMANDU, April 26: Nanda Devi Kunwar from Kailali, who narrowly survived a mafia attack while trying to protect the forest, has been honored with the Nagarik Nayak–2082 award.
She was honored by President Ram Chandra Paudel during a special ceremony held on Saturday at Nepal Police Club, Kathmandu.
Nagarik Nayak 2082 announcement program begins (With Photos)
Kunwar expressed her happiness upon receiving the award, saying that being recognized made her feel truly joyful. “I protected the forest simply out of love for it. In doing so, I nearly lost my life and ended up living with a disability,” she said. “Now, receiving such an honor from the respected President himself makes me very happy.”
Speaking with journalist Bal Krishna Adhikari, Kunwar shared that her inspiration for conservation came from growing up close to the forest. “I grew up in the forest. My parents' home was right next to it. I have childhood memories of playing among rhododendrons and birds,” she said.
