By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, June 30: Music Composer Association Nepal honoured veteran singer and musician Manik Ratna Sthapit with ‘Ajar-Amar Samman’ on Monday .
Singer Sthapit received a certificate and cash prize of Rs. 100,111 at his own residence in Khumaltar, Lalitpur.
Members of the association, including senior singer Shambhujeet Baskota reached Sthapit’s home and handed over the prize.
The association has been awarding the singers who have contributed timeless songs every year.
Born in 1937 at Makkhan Tol, Kathmandu, Manikaratna formally started his singing journey in 1950 by giving voice to children's songs.
Dozens of his songs like “Tyo Kholako Sanglo Pani”, “Ma Pani Ta Manis Hu”, “Na Aau Jun Kothama Rati” are very popular.
Since 1956, Manikaratna had collaborated with late singer Prema Dhoj Pradhan in many songs.
“Goreto Tyo Gaunko” is a representative song of the duo who has offered many classical songs and music under the name ‘PremManik’.
The association, however, did not hold a public event due to the pandemic and went to singer’s home and handed over honours and cash.
On Monday, a group led by Patron of the Association Shambhujeet Baskota and consisting of First Vice President Hari Lamsal, Treasurer Rajesh Thapa and member James Pradhan visited the singer at his residence and presented the prize and certificate.