17th Dr Sobhakanti Thigim (Lepcha) memorial award goes to Ranpaheli

EOI, Gangtok, 4 July 2014: The 17th Dr Sobhakanti Thigim (Lepcha) Award in recognition of outstanding literary works in the Nepali language was conferred to Kalu Singh Ranpaheli for his book ‘Samayko Golbandi’. The award has been initiated by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad and is given away every year for exceptional literary works in the Nepali language.

The book was chosen from among several entries by a panel of four eminent litterateurs and critics. Bindhya Subba, prominent Nepali poet and writer from Darjeeling, was present as the chief guest along with Rudra Paudel and several eminent Nepali writers from the hills.

Speaking on the occasion, Dup Tshering Lepcha, one of the trustees of the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, said literary works from places outside Sikkim such as Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri have also found place this year.

The event also saw the release of two books – ‘Mero Deorali’ (second edition) by Late Dr. Sobhakanti Thigim, and ‘Pailaharu’ by Shakti Sharma of Pakyong.

Anjana Sharma and Agnes Rai from PNG School were also felicitated for their essay on ‘Importance of Tourism in Sikkim’.