GANGTOK,: Darjeeling-based litterateur Prem Pradhan has been announced as the recipient of the 27th Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim (Lepcha) Smriti Puraskhar 2024 for his novel ‘Chinta Salkeko Pahad’.
Pradhan’s name was approved by the Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim (Lepcha) Memomrial Trust during its meeting held on June 3, duly recommended by the two-tier selection committee, a press release informs.
The literary award is presented annually on July 4, the birth anniversary of late Dr. Thegim and carries a cash award of Rs. 50,001, a Tamra Patra and a certificate.
Pradhan, also an educationist, is a retired school headmaster. From his college days, he developed an interest towards promotion and development of Nepali language, and today stands tall as a Nepali writer in the country.
Pradhan’s award-winning novel ‘Chinta Salkeko Pahad’ was published in 2022. He has also published collections of short stories besides other books. His novel ‘Udasin Rukh-haru’ won him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002. He is actively associated with various literary organisations.
During the Thegim award function on July 4, the trust would also be felicitating Simeyon Sukita Rai, the winner of Poet Idol Nepal Season 2, for his achievement and bringing laurel to Sikkim, the release informs.