International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) and its chapters around the world celebrated the 95th Devkota Jayanti with tribute, poetry recitation and various workshops and art exhibits, a statement said Monday.

A writers workshop, Nepali art exhibit, Nepali poetry competition, children’s art competition and International Nepali Literary Best Book Award ceremony was organized at INLS Headquarters, Washington D.C. on October 26, 2003, according to the statement.

Contribution of Mahakavi Laxmi Prasad Devkota to Nepali literature and ways to protect Nepali culture, language and tradition abroad were highlighted on the occasion.

Ramesh Khakurel was awarded the International Nepali Literary Best Book award for outstanding contribution to Nepali literature and in particular, for his epic “Sragdhara”.

Litterateurs Sudha Tripathi, Krishna Raj Khanal, Vishnu Bahadur Singh and Bibhor Baral were also given away other awards.

INLS Colorado Chapter, INLS Japan Chapter, INLS Nebraska Chapter and INLS Saudi Arabia Chapter, among others, also celebrated 95th Devkota Jayanti with various activities, the statement added.