KATHMANDU, Aug 30: Prof Prem Shanti Tuladhar has been honored with Baikuntha Lakaul Award for her continuous contributions to the upliftment of the Nepal (Newari) language, literature and literary critic genre.

Hariprabha Khadgi, Minister for Social Development in Bagmati Province, honored him at a program organized on Friday on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Central Department of Linguistics (CDL).

During the program, the head of the CDL, Prof Dr Rajan Lal Joshi and patron of the Baikuntha Lakaul Award, Srikanth Lakaul, honored Tuladhar with the Baikunth Lakaul Award.

The Baikunth Prasad Lakaul is considered the gem of the Nepal (Newari) language and literature and the initiator of romanism in the Nepal language poetry. The Baikunth Lakaul Award was established 39 years ago to honor his significant contributions to the Nepal language, literature, and culture. This is the 12th edition of the Baikunth Lakaul Award.

Similarly, female students who have achieved the highest marks in their bachelor’s degree in the Nepal language over the past three academic sessions were also honored at the annual ceremony. Krishna Pyari Shrestha, Padma Khairgoli, and Rajani Shrestha were honored with the award.

The chief guest of the annual program, Khadgi emphasized that language, literature and culture should be passed on from one generation to the other. She said that the Nepal language and Tamang language have been recognized as the official language in Bagmati Province and the scripts are also being protected.

“The Kathmandu Valley is itself a living museum. I have been focused on preserving its tangible and intangible heritage and culture for a long time. I will be involved in more specialized work on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development,” she said.

Similarly, after receiving the award at the program, Prof Tuladhar expressed his gratitude in receiving the award.

“I am retired, but I am not tired. I will engage in writing literature with more dedication in the days to come,” she added.

During the welcome speech, Prof Dr Rajan Lal Joshi said that since the Nepal language has become one of the official languages in Bagmati Province, the CDL is committed to providing support to government bodies if they require human resources.

“I am grateful to the Lakaul family for their ongoing management of the Baikuntha Lakaul Award for the promotion of the Nepal language, literature, culture, and Newari civilization, as well as the award for encouraging female students,” she said. 

 
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