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The DMN News USA representative Arjun Pradhan feted in Canada

Windsor: The DMN News United States representative Arjun Pradhan has been feted for his contribution to journalism.

Journalist Arjun Pradhan was honored by Sahitya Parishad Bhutan during their 30th annual celebration on August 17, held in Canada. Alongside Pradhan, several other notable individuals were recognized for their contributions in various fields.

Keshab Bairagi Mailo was awarded for his work in literature and language editing, Arjun Rasaily for his musical contributions, and Krishna Dangal and Goma Adhikari for their efforts in running Nepali language classes. Additionally, R. B. Khadka and D. P. Osti were recognized for their work in music and literature.

The prestigious Himtika Fiction Award was presented to J. N. Dahal for his novel “Prahelika,” along with a cash prize of $1,100 and a certificate.

During the event, several scholarly presentations took place. Dr. Laxmi Narayan Dhakal presented a paper titled The Problems and Solutions of Language, Bhakta Ghimire delivered A Preface to Remembering the Homeland, and Bhola Subedi discussed The Vision and Thoughts on Our Language, Culture, and Identity. Young talents Kshitiz Gautam and Nikumj Acharya recited poems, while Riya and Rhythm Rizal performed the song Phoolko Aankhama.

Singers and composers Arjun Rasaily and Manoj Rai performed a special song in honor of those who have contributed to language and literature. On the occasion of the council’s 30th anniversary, longstanding members—Bhola Sapkota, Dr Laxmi Narayan Dhakal, Vidhyapati Mishra, Bhawani Adhikari, Manoj Rai, Lila Nisha, Khem Sandilya—who have supported the organization were also honored.

Several books were launched during the event, including Dankindo Bhutan by the late Devibhakta Lamitare, Ma Singai Harauna Lagirako Chu Ekta Sahar Bhitra by B. P. Sharma, Aagoko Biu by Tumbahang Limbu, and the translated work The Plague Witness by Hem Guragain. The authors and publishers emphasized the importance of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese readers in the preservation and development of Bhutanese literature.

In the poetry recitation session, several poets, both emerging and established—including Navin Prachin, Bishwas Lama, Om Dhungel, Jay Hungai, Madan Dulal, Bharat Timilsina, Dharmendra Timilsina “Kshitiz,” Tulas Adhikari, Siddhant Dhungana, and Harshit Sigdel—elevated the prestige of the event with their powerful recitations.

The announcement of a new translation award was another highlight. Sponsored by businessman Prakash Adhikari (Om Gorkhali), this $5,000 prize will be awarded every three years to those translating significant works into Nepali or translating Nepali literature into other languages. Additionally, associate Dharmendra Timsina “Kshitij” announced a yearly contribution of USD 1,000 to support the program.

The event’s chief guest, Geeta Khatri, expressed her joy through a poem, reflecting on the deepening connection between Nepali creators and the Nepali-speaking Bhutanese community, which is helping spread Bhutanese literature globally. The gathering was attended by more than three dozen writers from the USA and Canada, including Om Dhungel, who has been active in Australian politics, Ohio City Councilor Bhuvan Pyakurel, former ANESAS president Govardhan Puja, Bimala Dhungana, Dr. Govinda Singh Rawat, Chitra Pradhan, Ram Khatri, Lila Nisha, and artist Manoj Rai.

Central Chairman Ganga Lamitare emphasized that the struggle to preserve language and literature requires collective effort and urged the younger generation to take an active role. Lamitare, a founding member of the organization, pledged $25,000 towards establishing an endowment fund to further the Parishad’s mission.

Secretary Khem Rizal stated that the event infused new energy and inspiration into Bhutanese literature. The program, which opened with a tribute to the late Dr. Govinda Rizal—a professor at Tribhuvan University and an agricultural scientist who tragically passed away in a bus accident three months ago—was hosted by writers Khem Rizal and D. B. Osti. Kshitiz Gautam also spoke about the Bhutanese Literature website, which has been running for 15 years and has compiled over 4,000 literary works.

Canada Council Director Bhanu Dhungana welcomed the participants, while Khagendra Gautam, another director who presided over the event, thanked everyone involved in organizing the program and expressed his gratitude to all participants.