Dr. Suchan Pradhan to receive Thegim Award

HISHEY WANGDI

GANGTOK,: The Padri Gangaprasad Pradhan Smriti Pratishthan has decided to honour individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields with various awards.

According to a press release, the decision was taken at a meeting held in Ranipool on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Pratishthan's president, Kamal Chamling.

As part of the celebrations marking the 175th birth anniversary of pioneer journalist Padri Gangaprasad Pradhan on July 4, four distinguished personalities will be honoured with awards instituted by the Pratishthan. The organisation has been recognising individuals annually for their contributions to literature, music, journalism, spirituality and social service.

This year, the Padri Gangaprasad Pradhan Patrakarita Samman will be conferred on senior journalist Puran Tamang, editor of the English daily Summit Times, in recognition of his more than two decades of service to journalism.

Noted poet and literary figure Gopal Dhakal, widely known for his Chanda Kavita, will receive the Padri Gangaprasad Pradhan Sahitya Samman for his contributions to literature.

Similarly, Rev. Edward Barretto, Bishop of the Darjeeling-Sikkim Diocese, will be honoured with the Padri Gangaprasad Pradhan Adhyatmik Samman for his contributions to spirituality and social service. Peter Shamsher will receive the Padri Gangaprasad Pradhan Sangeet Samman for his contributions to spiritual music.

During the programme, writer Pravin Rai Jumeli will deliver a talk on the multifaceted contributions of pioneer journalist Padri Gangaprasad Pradhan.

The meeting was conducted by chief coordinator Shilas Rai. Among those present were Elder Petrus Gurung, Jigmee Lepcha, Rupa Tamang, Lucas Sharma, Peter Shamsher, Kalep Gazmer, Samuel Subba, B.B. Solomon, Marcus Lama, T.L. Tamang, Tshering Tashi Lepcha, Madan Chettri, Karma Paul Rai and Prabin Khaling.

Following deliberations on various matters, the meeting selected Ranipool AG Church as the venue for the July 4 programme, the release stated.