Mandeep Lama honoured with ‘Chiya Kavita Puraskar 2025’ on World Tea Day

HOMNATH DABARI

GANGTOK, : Renowned literary figure Mandeep Lama was conferred with the prestigious ‘Chiya Kavita Puraskar 2025’ during a vibrant ceremony held at Rachna Books, Gangtok, on the occasion of World Tea Day.

Organized by the Chiya Kavita Sikkim group, the Wednesday event celebrated Lama’s decades-long contributions to theatre, music, literature, translation, and the arts. The award included a cash prize, a citation, and a memento, acknowledging his rich legacy and influence in Sikkim’s cultural landscape.

The ceremony also featured a multilingual poetry confluence, with poets from across Sikkim, neighbouring regions, various States, and Nepal sharing the stage. The gathering created a spirited space for literary expression and cultural exchange.

Mandeep Lama, a resident of the Development Area in Gangtok, is best known for his landmark theatrical productions such as Raktim Raat and the musical Geet Ani Geetange. He is also the author of ‘A Brief Excursion into the Sacred Feminine and Other Essays’ and has translated several important literary works.

In his acceptance speech, Lama expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chiya Kavita Sikkim group and reflected on the evolving role of literature and performance in shaping cultural identity.

The event was also graced by Dr.Balaram Pandey, a professor at Sikkim University, who delivered a keynote address on the role of poetry in contemporary society and the significance of World Tea Day as a platform for literary celebration.

The program saw an enthusiastic turnout of senior literary personalities, visiting poets, and local literature enthusiasts. All participating poets received mementos from the organizers as a token of appreciation.