Dharan:Sangita Rai, a correspondent for the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) in Sunsari district, has been awarded this year’s Yuwa Pratibha Samman Puraskar, also known as the Youth Talent Felicitation Award.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Poet Bimal Gurung Memorial Library, located in Dharan, presented this award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 10,000. The presentation took place during an event marking the 55th birth anniversary of Bimal Gurung and the 35th National Poetry symposium.
In addition to Sangita Rai’s recognition, the ‘Bimal Gurung Kriti Puraskar’ was awarded jointly to poet Bhupin Khadka for his essay collection *Madhya ko Ujyalo* and to Junu Rana for her essay collection *Lahureni Saundarya*. Each recipient received a cash prize of Rs 200,000 and a copper plaque. The awards were selected from 52 literary works written in the Nepali language by authors, poets, and litterateurs from Nepal and abroad.
Moreover, the poetry festival also saw Sabita Phago securing first place, Sundar Shirish taking second, and Nirupam Shrestha along with Lekali Kanchha sharing third place in the poetry competition. The winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs 21,000, Rs 18,000, and Rs 17,000, respectively, along with certificates.
During the event, a poetry collection titled *Bimal Gurung ka Pratinidhi Kabitaharu* (Representative Poems of Bimal Gurung), edited and compiled by senior journalist and poet Pradip Menyangbo, was also unveiled.