“Giri Puraskar” conferred to Navin Khadka

Darjeeling:  Better late than never, Mr. Subash Ghisingh handed over the “Giri Puraskar” for 2006, to Mr. Navin Khadka, popular folk artist from Nepal, for his contribution towards folk music and traditional Nepali dances. The award ceremony was organised at Teesta on the occasion of “Teesta Triveni Festival”.

Darjeeling needs an artist like Mr. Navin Khadka, his contributions are much more valuable than Rs. 1 Lakh, said Mr. Ghisingh and admired him and his contribution towards Nepali folk music and dances.

Mr. Navin Khada also said that the relationship between Nepal and Darjeeling hills have beyond political boundaries. He assured to expand Darjeeling’s folk culture world over.

 “Giri Jayanti”, celebrated in the entire Darjeeling hills, on 27 December, 80th birthday anniversary of poet late Agam Singh Giri.

To respect the poet late Agam Singh Giri, the department of information and culture of the DGHC started celebrating December 27, as “Giri Jayanti” since 1994 at Lewis Jubilee Complex, Darjeeling. DGHC also started conferring the “Giri Puraskar” every year for outstanding contribution in the field of literature and music.

The Giri Puraskar comprised a 2.5 ‘tola’ of gold medal and a sum of Rs 1 lakh. So far, 9 persons have already received the awards.

In the same function, Rs. 25,000/- each has been given to Mr. Chandan Lamzel and Mr. Birahi Kaila as “Dedication Award”, for their sincere services.

Mr. Ghisingh also announced the “Aruna Lama Award” for 2006 to Radhika Pradhan, singer from Nepal. The Award is comprises of Rs 40,000 and schedule to handover on March this year.