TEZPUR, April 22 � Freedom fighter Prasad Singh Subba Academy award of this year was presented to Padma Dhakal, a veteran writer at a ceremony Khanamukh near Itakhola in Sonitpur district. The award function was chaired by Lalit Subba, chief secretary, Gorkha League, Assam region.
The day-long programme started with the unfurling of the flags of the Assam chapter of Prasad Singh Subba Academy and the Gorkha Samaj of Khanamukh by Lalit Subba and Mohan Upadhyaya respectively. Ganesh Limbu, advisor of the academy paid floral tribute to the late freedom fighter and lit the ceremonial lamp.
Chhatraman Subba, chief secretary of the academy presented the welcome speech, while Ram Prasad Chetry, principal, Khanamukh HS School, inaugurated the main session. �Mahakabi� Mohan Dukhun of Siliguri, who was the chief guest of the function, recalled the selfless services of the Indian Gorkhas in the nation building process. Gyan Bahadur Chetry, member, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, mentioned that literature can resolve all conflicts and provide a peaceful platform towards the progress of a nation.
Freedom fighter Prasad Singh Subba academy award is awarded to a person who excels in art, literature, education, drama, etc., from the northeastern region. This year�s recipient Padma Dhakal is a retired teacher and a critic of both Assamese and Nepali literatures. The award carries a memento, a shawl, a cash amount and a bundle of books.
At the same function, Kabi Bhakta Rai memorial award was also presented to Yubraj Kafle, editor of Himal Darpan (Siliguri) and dramatist �Natya Bhushan� Purna Kumar Sharma. This award also carries a memento, a shawl, a cash amount and a bundle of books.
It was followed by a recitation programme where Moti Sarma, executive president of the Assam Nepali Natya Sanmilan was present. Altogether 20 poets of the locality recited their self-composed poems.
The day-long programme was anchored by Anil Goutam, while Bishnu Bhandari offered the vote of thanks.
