Danish ambassador Finn Thilsted and Finnish ambassador Pirkko Liisa Kyostila gave away the awards to the women who have often preferred to stay behind the curtains but are successful in making significant contributions to the society.
Recognizing their jobs, their attempt of coming beyond the traditional school of thought regarding women empowerment and their contributions at large, Creative Statements honored Jaya Luintel, a radio journalist from Kathmandu as "Bhagawati". Likewise, Chameli Waiba from Makawanpur was felicitated as "Saraswati" for her consistent approach to educating people of the rural areas who are deprived of earning even a basic level education.
Usha Gongal´s approach to entrepreneurship, mainly in promoting Nepali fabrics, took her to receive the "Laxmi" title. Dr Sumitra Manandhar Gurung was tagged "Karuna" for her tremendous contribution to the social inclusion and development activities. It was no surprise to see theater artiste Nisha Sharma Pokharel to win the "Mahamaya" award for the reason there are hardly any promising women in Nepal who have been consistent in stage acts for decades. Sita Karna´s way of presenting Mithila art and culture of Janakpur got her the title of "Annapurna" while national volleyball player Manju Gurung became the "Bhawani" at the grandeur.
Following up were Krishni Devi Chaudhary from Bardiya and Tripta Thapa Magar from Sunsari receiving the honors as "Durga" and "Shakti", respectively. Chaudhary has been heading the Freed Kamaiya Society in Bardiya whereas Magar received the award for her exemplifying performance as an academician despite herself being physically disabled. Magar does not only work as a school teacher but she has been working actively to feed in confidence among other disabled women.
Supported by Danish embassy and Yeti Airlines, the event also uncovered some soulful compositions of veteran music maestro late Gopal Yonjon, with daughter Shrijana Singh Yonjon, the organizer of the event, dancing to the tunes that resembled six different times of the year.
avash@myrepublica.com
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