By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, July 6: The Nepal Academy of Music and Drama (NAMD) has awarded the Nepal Music and Drama Pragya prize for 2021 to six senior music, drama and dance artistes and composers.
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Academy held three functions in three different locations to present the awards to the winners.
At a ceremony held at Nepal Academy, Kamaladi, NAMD Chancellor Narayan Bhakta Shrestha (Rayan) presented the Nepal Music and Drama Pragya Award 2021 to veteran musician Manikaratna Sthapit and senior folk singer Gyanu Rana. Sthapit’s son Sushil Sthapit accepted the award on his behalf.
Addressing the programme, Chancellor Shrestha congratulated all the winners and requested them to continue producing exceptional works that contribute to the transformation of the society and the country.
Vice Chancellor of NAMD Harihar Sharma expressed confidence that, provided the pandemic situation improved, the Academy would be able to organise a grand event to celebrate the award and its winners next year.
Meanwhile, a ceremony was also held at the Office of the Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim Province in Dhangadhi to award veteran playwright Dhan Bahadur Malla. Malla was presented the award in the presence of Sudurpashchim Chief Minister Trilochan Bhatta, Academy member Nisha Pokharel, academicians, playwrights and media persons.
Similarly, senior traditional singer and dancer Bansidhar Mandal (Banshi Baba) and veteran colourist Sunil Kumar Mishra were awarded for their contributions to theatre amidst a function held in Janakpur, Province 2 in the presence of Chief Minister Lal Babu Raut and Academy member Dhirendra Jha Premarshi.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Raut congratulated Mandal and Mishra and called their contribution to the development of music and drama in Province 2 unparalleled.
Along with the award, each of the winners received an amount of Rs. 100,100.