Kathmandu, April 17:Sahitya Sandhya Nepal has presented this year’s “Sahitya Sandhya Prize” to litterateur Modanath Shastri in recognition of his important contribution to the enrichment of the country’s literary sector.

CPN-UML Standing Committee Member Jhalanath Khanal presented the prize to litterateur Shastri at a function organised here Saturday.

The prize instituted in 2043 B.S. carries a purse of Rs. 5,000/ and a citation.

Similarly, the Sahitya Sandhya  affiliated to CPN-ML awarded the Sahitya Sandhya  award of the year 2056 B.S. to poet and essayist Bimal Niva on the occasion the 18th anniversary of the literary organisation here Saturday. The award carries a purse  of Rs. 5,000.

Speaking on the occasion, litterateur Shanta Das Manandhar said the works of litterateur Niva should be translated into various national and  international languages.

Litterateur Khagendra Sangraula shed light on the works of Mr. Niva and member of the selection committee Ganga Upreti spoke on the personality of Niva and the literary activities of the Sahitya Sandhya.

On the occasion, various poets and poetesses including Niva had recited poems.

Meanwhile national songs created by famous singer, lyricist and composer Gopal Yonjon will be presented in Tahachal on April 21 with a view to preserving our culture and identity.

A host of singers including Dip Shrestha, Prakash Shrestha and Rajesh Payal Rai will sign the songs at the function organised by the Parivartan Nepal.

On the occasion, programme coordinator and the late Yonjon’s daughter Srijana Singh expressed her views.