SATV, Kathmandu, July 8: On the occasion of Yogmaya Memorial Day, two prestigious awards established in the name of Yogmaya were presented. At an event organised by the Nepal Srashta Samaj in the capital on Monday, veteran fiction writer Maya Thakuri was honoured with the Yogmaya National Women Creator Award, while Ninu Chapagain received the Yogmaya Neupane National Campaigner Award.
The awards were presented jointly by senior literary journalist and author Rochak Ghimire, Shree Om Shrestha 'Rodan', Pawan Alok, Rekha Kandel, Rajesh Neupane, and other distinguished personalities. Each award carries a purse of Rs. 50,101 along with a certificate of honour.
Addressing the event, literary journalist Rochak Ghimire said that Yogmaya was an extraordinary personality who struggled against autocracy. "As a strong and courageous woman, she played an incomparable role in fighting social injustices and evils", he said.
"By selecting such deserving recipients, Nepal Srashta Samaj has itself been honoured." On the same occasion, the anthology 'Yogmaya Itihasdekhi Bartamansamma', a collection of articles and writings on Yogmaya Neupane edited by Pradeep Sapkota, was officially launched.
Receiving the award, Maya Thakuri said she felt deeply honoured and expressed a sense of nostalgia as she reflected on her childhood.
Another award recipient, Ninu Chapagain, said that much more research should be carried out on Yogmaya. "She was a revolutionary poet, which enabled her to question the laws and political system of Nepal during her time," he noted.
Award founder Pawan Alok highlighted Yogmaya's remarkable contributions, while another founder, Rajesh Neupane, emphasised that her legacy remains equally relevant today. Literary scholar Ilya Bhattarai introduced the achievements of both award recipients.
Balram Neupane, President of Neupane Bandhu Samaj Nepal, said that the organisation has been actively working to promote Yogmaya's contributions and to secure her recognition as a National Luminary.
A music video featuring Yogmaya's composition was screened during the programme, with music and vocals by singer Lochan Bhattarai.
At the event, Gopi Krishna Neupane, Pradeep Sapkota, Prakash Ghayal and others also spoke about Yogmaya's contribution.
The Yogmaya National Women Creator Award was established by Pawan Alok and has so far honoured 18 distinguished personalities. Likewise, the Yogmaya Neupane National Campaigner Award, founded by Rajesh Neupane and others, has recognised nine individuals to date.
For the past several years, Nepal Srashta Samaj, in collaboration with Neupane Bandhu Samaj Nepal, has been commemorating Yogmaya Memorial Day through various literary and cultural programmes.
