Pokhara, 7 December| Several individuals, including a journalist, an artist, and an Academy secretary, were honored during the 7th General Assembly and 3rd Convention of the National Folk and Duet Song Academy Nepal, Gandaki Province Committee, held on Saturday. Rajaram Paudel, News Chief of Cityone Television, was presented with the Tirtha Sagar Smriti Journalism Award, established by Sim Gurung. In the same ceremony, artist Shibu Giri from Nawalpur received the Nar Bahadur Pariyar Smriti Art Award, established by Sarita Gayak and Dilip Gayak. Additionally, Karan Kandel, Secretary of the Academy’s Myagdi chapter, was honored with the Sher Bahadur Gurung and Ganga Gurung Higher Education Award. Dignitaries, including former Central Presidents Prajapati Parajuli and Purushottam Neupane, presented them with shawls, certificates, and cash prizes.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Prajapati Parajuli stressed the importance of selecting leadership based on their contribution to the organization. He urged attendees to cast their votes thoughtfully during the convention rather than complaining after the executive committee is selected. Former President Purushottam Neupane also cautioned against carelessness when selecting representatives, advocating for the inclusion of only those individuals who have genuinely contributed to folk music and songs. Other officials, including Ramji Khan, First Vice-President and Election Coordinator, and central secretaries Jivan Dahal and Ghanshyam Rizal, spoke about the importance of preserving folk culture.
