Jyanu-Basant Raj Mishra Foundation awards contributors in tourism, environment, education

KATHMANDU: Jyanu-Basant Raj Mishra Foundation has awarded individuals and an organisation for their significant contributions in various fields. The Foundation has presented awards in three distinct categories for the first time.

The Foundation honoured Suraj Kunwar of Kantipur Daily in the Tourism Journalism category, the Anti-Poaching Unit of Chitwan National Park Kasara with the Lokraj Mishra Environment Protection Award, and Durga Bhawani Primary School in Baghkhor, Amaltari, Nawalparasi, with the Durga Devi Mishra Education Award. Each awardee received Rs 300,000 and a certificate of appreciation.

During the programme, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, highlighted Nepal's positive contributions to global tourism and environmental protection. He praised the success achieved through individual and organisational initiatives, noting that such honour programmes inspire societal participation in these fields.

Former Chief Justice and Patron of the Foundation, Kalyan Shrestha, emphasised the Foundation's commitment to transparency and suggested future investments in studies and research to foster societal positivity.

Founder Basant Mishra underscored the media's role in promoting Nepal's tourism industry, which influenced the decision to award the Tourism Journalism Award. He also stressed the importance of environmental protection and education for societal progress, justifying the honours in these fields.

The Foundation plans to increase the amount and categories of awards in the future, maintaining transparency in the selection process with expert assistance. The Society of Economic Journalists - Nepal (SEJON) recommended three members for the Tourism Journalism Award based on an open application process.

Basant Raj Mishra, a pioneer in Nepal's tourism sector with over four decades of experience, operates the renowned Temple Tiger Resort.