image007Senior linguist Bal Krishna Pokharel has been awarded with this year’s Lekhnath Literary Award, amid a ceremony, held in Arghau Archale, Kaski, over the weekend. The event marked the 133rd birth anniversary of poet Lekhnath Poudyal. The award which carried a cash prize of Rs 50, 000 was conferred to Pokharel jointly by vice-chancellor of Nepal Art Council Ganga Prasad Upreti, chairperson of Lekhnath Literary Academy, Padma Raj Dhakal, and granddaughter of Lekhnath Poudyal, Sudha Khakurel. “Pokharel’s contribution to language and literary scene in Nepal is very inspiring,” said chairperson Dhakal at the event.  After receiving the award, Pokheral said, “We still need a lot of hard work and honesty in the field of Nepali language and literature.” Sukra Raj Adhikari, coordinator of funds at Lekhnath Literary Academy, said, “It is an honour for the committee to confer this award to Pokharel, whose tireless contribution to Nepali language and literature is immeasurable.” Pokharel is the author of works such as a Nepali dictionary, Khas-Arya’s history, as well as poems in Magar language. The ceremony which took place after the establishment of Lekhnath’s statue at Arghau Chowk also saw the inauguration of Tarun Tapaswi Park at Archale by Upreti and Pokharel. The Birthplace Development Committee has constructed a park, museum and conference hall at the site. Literary figures present at the award ceremony also paid tribute to the poet by visiting the newly-made museum that houses materials related to the poet’s life. Meanwhile, at the event, the Lekhnath Journalism Committee awarded its first Journalism award to Meghraj Acharya. The ceremony also awarded many students with scholarships.