Parivartan Nepal Presents Durga Devi–Punya Niraula and Chetan Karki Memorial Awards

Kathmandu. Parivartan Nepal organized a special ceremony in Kathmandu on Sunday to honor various personalities and artists with the 2082 Durga Devi–Punya Niraula Memorial Award, Chetan Karki Memorial Award, and Parivartan Honors.

At the ceremony, artist Sharda Giri and director-artist Bishwadeep Ghimire were presented with the Durga Devi–Punya Niraula Memorial Award 2082, while media professional Krishna Bhattarai received the Chetan Karki Memorial Award.

Bhattarai was honored for his contribution to the development and expansion of the Nepali film industry and the advancement of film professionals through more than three decades of active involvement in journalism. Established in 2079 BS, the Chetan Karki Memorial Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Nepali film sector. Bhattarai currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Kalakarmi.com.

Artist Sharda Giri, who has been active in Nepali films and television dramas for more than four decades, and director-actor Bishwadeep Ghimire, who has been involved in theatre, films and television for more than two and a half decades, were honored with the Durga Devi–Punya Niraula Memorial Award. Established in 2073 BS, the award carries a cash prize of Rs. 15,000 each.

Parivartan Nepal has been presenting the Parivartan Special Honor since its establishment in 2053 BS to recognize creators, artists and film professionals associated with the organization.

As part of the ceremony, popular actor Aaryan Sigdel, actor Ashant Sharma, artist Saroj Oli, and fine artist Devendra Thumkeli were presented with the Parivartankarmi Special Honor for their association with Parivartan Nepal during the early stages of their artistic careers.

Similarly, cinematographer Birendra Prasad Bhatt, who has contributed to the film industry while advocating for the professional rights and welfare of technical workers, and Sabita Pokhrel, who has contributed to the music sector through journalism and award programs, received the Parivartan Journalism Honor.

Former Chairperson of the Film Development Board Dinesh D.C. was also honored with the Parivartan Special Honor in recognition of his contribution to the development and advancement of the Nepali film industry.

The ceremony was chaired by Nepal's first female film actress Bhuvan Chand. Senior artists Madan Das Shrestha, Tika Pahari, Bhuvan Chand, Chaityadevi, Shiva Shrestha, Dhiren Shakya, Nepal Government Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Bipin Raj Niraula, and Parivartan Nepal Vice President and musician Santosh Shrestha, among others, presented the awards and honors to the recipients.

Delivering the welcome address, Parivartan Nepal Chairperson Mohan Niraula said the organization had organized the ceremony during Pitri Paksha to commemorate his late parents, Durga Devi and Punya Niraula, as well as veteran filmmaker Chetan Karki.

Senior artist Tika Pahari said Parivartan Nepal has been contributing positive energy to society by recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Nepali art and culture.

Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Mukunda Prasad Niraula said films play an important role in preserving Nepal's art and culture. He praised Parivartan Nepal for honoring and recognizing individuals actively contributing to the sector.

Likewise, Acting Chairperson of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission Bipin Raj Niraula highlighted the contributions of former administrator and litterateur Punya Niraula and cultural scholar and filmmaker Chetan Karki.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, fine artist Devendra Thumkeli expressed gratitude to Parivartan Nepal for the recognition.

The program was hosted by film director and media personality Madhav Raj Khatrel. Parivartan Nepal Vice President and musician Santosh Shrestha said the organization would continue recognizing and honoring artists and contributors in the coming days.

The event was attended by prominent film personalities including Krishna Malla, Sharmila Malla, Uttam KC, Rabindra Khadka, Dinesh Karki, Sabitri Koirala, Gopal Kaji Kayastha, Dhiren Shakya, Aakash Adhikari, Chaityadevi Singh, among others.