Hetauda, Mar 20: The “Pranayan” literary magazine, a quarterly published from here organised a nationwide open short story writing contest on the occasion of its first anniversary.

Sama Thapa of Kailali came out first, Chhatra Chhitiz of Jhapa second and Nimesh Likhit of Sarlahi third in the national level story writing contest.

Senior litterateur Nirmohi Byas gave away prizes and certificates to those coming out first, second and third in the competition.

On the occasion, senior lyricist Bhim Birag, litterateurs Padam Raj Lamichhane and Miss Pramila Bidari were felicitated on behalf of the “Pranayan” literary quarterly magazine.

At the programme presided over by the president of the Pranayan group, Makwanpur, Mr. Rishi K.B., Mayor of Hetauda Dormani Pokharel, senior lyricist Bhim Birag, litterateur Sagrib Acharya, Ghanshyam Neupane, Madhav Kafle, Shital Giri and Kumar Timilsina expressed their views.

In all fifteen short stories of the participants were selected for the contest, it is learnt from the organising committee.

In Kapilbastu, the Kapilbastu Literary Society has selected Dr. Bishnu Raj Atreya for this year’s “Bhikshu” award.

The award, set up in memory of the late Bhawani Bhikshu, a reknowned prose and fiction writer, is given every two years to literary personalities.

Dr.    Atreya   has   been   selected   for    the   award   this   year in recognition of his outstanding contribution   to   the   promotion of    Nepali   and   Sanskrit   language by publishing important books in both languages and his special contribution for the uplift of Sanskrit.

The award carries a purse of Rs 5,000 and a copper plaque. The decision to this effect was taken at the meeting of the Kapilbastu literary society presided over by society president Hari Raj Sharma on Sunday.

Modnath Prashrit and Kulmani Devkota are the other recipients of the award.

The award will be presented to Dr. Atreya on the occasion of the Bhawani Bhikshu Memorial Day in May.