Himal Hub/ The National Online Journalists Association (NOJA) has organized the 12th NOJA Honor Awards, recognizing 23 individuals for their contributions across journalism, banking, business, arts, literature, social service and other fields.
The annual awards ceremony featured a range of honours, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Distinguished Honor Award, Special Campaigner Honor Award and category-based recognitions for outstanding contributions during the year.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, which NOJA presents annually to one individual, was conferred on Kamal Kharel, a veteran professional in the banking and cooperative sectors. Kharel has spent many years working in banking and finance and is also recognized for his expertise in banking and cooperative affairs.
The Distinguished Honor Awards were presented to senior singer Anand Karki, construction entrepreneur Balibhadra Rana, and Dipak Kumar Risal, Mayor of Gokarneshwar Municipality.
Meanwhile, the Special Campaigner Honor Awards went to senior social worker Dr. Laxmi Prasad Rai and entrepreneur Kumar Karki for their contributions to society and entrepreneurship.
The ceremony also recognized achievements in the creative sector. Chandani Shakya received the Best Female Singer Award, while Santosh Shrestha was honored as the Best Music Composer of the Year. Jharana Risal received the Best Actress Award, and Bikash Lamichhane was recognized as the Best Actor.
In the literary category, Gyan Nishtha Gyawali, an assistant professor at Tribhuvan University, received the Honor Award for Distinguished Literary Contribution.
Dinesh Neupane was honored with the Social Award, while the Young Businessperson Awards were presented to Saroj Maharjan, Sahang Lawati Limbu, and Baikuntha Dahal.
The award for Best Makeup Artist went to Rita Tamang.
The event also recognized women entrepreneurs for their contributions. Rita Awal, Bindu Gyawali, Shobhita Dhamala, Sheetal Sharma, and Kumud Bhatt received the Best Women Honor Awards.
Under the annual journalism award category, Samana Devkota, based in the United States, received this year’s journalism prize, which carries a cash award of Rs. 11,111.
The award ceremony was held with Kamal Kumar Agrawal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), as the chief guest.
NOJA President Mumund Dhungana presided over the event. Senior literary figure Radheshyam Lekali, Ram Chandra Parajuli, General Secretary of the Himalayan Cross-Border Commerce Association, IT expert Hari Ram Rimal, senior journalist Rajendra Luitel, and women entrepreneur Sarita Bhattarai, among other guests, participated in the ceremony and presented awards to the recipients.
The 12th NOJA Honor Awards brought together professionals from diverse sectors, highlighting contributions in journalism, finance, entrepreneurship, entertainment, literature and social development.
