Kathmandu, May  3: Minister of State for Land Reforms and Management Gopal Rai presented the “Shahid Mina Swarnakar Dalit Pratibha Purasakar” to reporter of Rastriya Samachar Samiti Balaram Pyasi and musician Sushil Bishwokarma at a function here today.

The award was instituted in memory of the first Dalit singer late Mina Swarnakar.

Mr Pyasi has been awarded for his contribution to ending untouchability through journalism and Mr Bishwokarma for his contribution to uplifting Dalits through music.

The award carries a purse of Rs 3,101 each along with a letter of honour.

On the occasion, Mr Rai also launched a Dalit Jagriti song cassette containing songs of Tirtha Bahadur Gandharva and late Mina. The songs are composed by Motilal Nepali.

Sushil Bishwokarma had set the music to the songs.

Addressing the function, Mr Rai said Dalits have played an important role in the democratic history of Nepal and they are not less than any other people.

Many Non-Governmental Organisations opened for the welfare and betterment of the Dalits are not working satisfactorily, he added.

President of Dalit Sewa Sangh Motilal Nepali, from the chair, said his organisation has been trying to take the Dalits and non-Dalits together along the path of development.

On the occasion, Mr Pyasi noted that he will continue to write for the welfare of the Dalit community.

Various other speakers including Gokarna Aryal of Gorkhapatra Daily, Dr. Vidyanath Koirala and Dr. Haribansha Jha also expressed their views on the occasion.

Mina Swarnakar had died last year.