KATHMANDU, Aug 22: Urmaal, the novel by Darjeeling-based Nepali writer Chuden Kabimo, has won the 2081 B.S. Madan Puraskar. The Madan Puraskar Guthi in its meeting on Friday named Kabimo this year’s winner, while the Jagadamba Shree award was conferred on Prem Dev Giri for his remarkable contribution to collecting and preserving folk songs.
At its core, Urmaal gives voice to the unheard stories of women tea-garden workers. Speaking during the book’s launch in January, Kabimo had explained his inspiration: “I read many books on tea—its history, origins and so much more—but I could not find the stories of tea workers. That is why I felt compelled to write Urmaal.”
Madan Puraskar felicitation ceremony held virtually
Kabimo, who has established himself as a powerful literary voice from Darjeeling, was previously praised for his debut novel Fatsung. Centered on the Gorkhaland Movement and published in 2019, it earned wide acclaim for its storytelling and depth.
This year, Urmaal, published by FinePrint, was selected from 299 submissions and made the shortlist of seven books. The shortlist included Chhalbato (Ramesh Bhusal), Darjyu Sanlaap (Kumari Lama), Panchatatwako Palam (Manprasad Subba), Bahurupi (Shreyaj Subedi), Bhikshu, Byapar ra Bidroha (Sudheer Sharma), and Hiunko Geet (Tirtha Gurung).
Established in 1955, the Madan Puraskar is regarded as the highest literary recognition in Nepal. The Guthi has stated that the date of formal award distribution ceremony will be announced later.
