Phidim, Panchthar, February 9, 2026 [2082 Magh 26]
The “Amar Nembang Memorial Literature Award,” established in memory of late writer and literary figure Amar Nembang, who also served as the then Chairperson of Falgunanda Rural Municipality in Panchthar, has been presented to three creators.
The awards were distributed on Monday at a ceremony held in Phidim.
Award recipients
The award recipients are:
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Essayist and journalist Dipak Sapkota
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Poet Devendra Sokten
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Malisa Yakthumba, a writer in the Limbu Yakthung language
This year’s distribution was the seventh edition of the award.
Award amount and presentation
As part of the award, each creator received Rs 50,000 in cash, along with a letter of appreciation and a ceremonial shawl.
They were honored from the chief guest’s dais by literary and political figure Narendra Kumar Kerung and, among others, special guest Laxmi Dhungana, Chief of Panchthar Multiple Campus.
About the recipients
Award recipient Sapkota is the coordinator of “Koseli,” the Saturday supplement of Kantipur Daily.
Similarly, poet Sokten and writer Yakthumba have remained active in poetry and writing while based outside the capital, contributing to Nepali literature.
Previous award recipients
The award was presented last year to Krishna Dharabasi and Swapnil Smriti. Before that, it was presented to Shravan Mukarung, Prem Ojha, Sharada Subba, Bina Thing, Dr Govindraj Bhattarai, Bir Nembang, Devi Chhetri Dulal, Munaraj Sherma, Bimala Tumkhewa, and Giriraj Baskota.
Background and annual activities
Nembang died of a heart attack in 2075 (BS) while serving as Chairperson of Falgunanda Rural Municipality.
The organizer, Amar Nembang Memorial Foundation, stated that the award distribution program is accompanied each year by scholarships for students and support for people affected by disasters.
Relief distributed to flood and landslide-affected families
At the same program, relief was distributed to six families affected by floods and landslides caused by continuous rainfall in Ashoj.
Relief of Rs 10,000 per family was provided to the families of:
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Misek Nembang of Falgunanda-3
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Kanchhimaya Serma of Tumbewa-4
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Neha Rai of Miklajung-6
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Sujan Limbu of Falgunanda-5
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Saugat Limbu of Falgunanda-5
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Ramati Rai of Falgunanda-3
For related reading, see flood preparedness.
Scholarships for SEE 2081 top performers from community schools
At the same program, three students who achieved excellent results in the SEE examination of 2081 (BS) from community schools of Falgunanda Rural Municipality were provided scholarships of Rs 10,000 each.
The scholarship recipients are:
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Soni Nembang of Saratap Manratna Secondary School
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Khambekhang Chemjong of Jalsingh Secondary School, Pauwasaratap
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Anjan Chemjong of Krishna Secondary School, Chilingdin
For context, see community schools.
The program of award distribution, honors, scholarship distribution, and relief distribution has been held every year on Magh 26. Nembang died on 2075 Magh 26 (BS).
Panchthar Awards