Prime Minister National Talent Award distributed

KATHMANDU: Individuals from various sectors were honoured with the Prime Minister National Talent Award on March 21.

The government had announced the awards on the occasion of National Democracy Day 2081 to recognise individuals for their outstanding contributions to peace, good governance, innovation, scientific research, and development.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, alongside his spouse Radhika Shakya and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, presented the awards.

Dr Tshering Lama (Sindhupalchok) was recognised for his work in telemedicine, Dr Biraj Singh Thapa (Morang) for technological innovation, Purnima Shrestha (Gorkha) for mountaineering, and Dr Abhas Maskey (Kathmandu) and Hariram Shrestha (Gorkha) for their contributions to science and technology.

Similarly, Dr Om Murti Anil (Mahottari) was honoured for his contributions to the medical field, Sabitra Bhandari 'Samba' (Lamjung) for sports, Rabindra Puri (Bhaktapur) for heritage conservation, and Dil Shova Shrestha (Kathmandu) and Ramji Adhikari (Gorkha) for social service.

The award was established following a cabinet decision on December 3, 2018. The fund was created with $100,000 received by Prime Minister Oli from the Korean government, matched by an additional $100,000 from the government. It was decided that the award would be presented to two individuals annually, with each recipient receiving Rs 500,000.

The award was first presented in 2076 BS to three individuals across two categories. However, subsequent award ceremonies were delayed due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Oli stressed the importance of recognising individuals and institutions contributing positively to society, emphasising that such recognition strengthens the nation’s social fabric.

By RSS