Nepali litterateurs living in Israel have been awarded the “Bhanubhakta Gold Medal” by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. The award ceremony took place at the International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM Festival) held at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Ground, Ramat Aviv.
The award was given to seven Nepalis devoted to the fields of art, literature, and social service. These individuals have significantly contributed to organizing the Bhanubhakta bicentenary celebration in Israel, as announced by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. The honored literary figures included Bhagawati Basnet, a litterateur and Head of Bhanubhakta Bicentenary Celebrations in Israel; Krishna Thapa, a litterateur, artist, and President of the International Nepali Literary Society Israel Chapter; Subas Kharel, a social worker and President of NRN Israel; and litterateurs Sunita Rai, BJ Bidrohi Rai, Nirmala Khadka, and Laxmi Pokhrel.
The awards were presented by His Excellency Ambassador Prahlad Kumar Prasai in the presence of Mr. Aditya Baral, Senior Director of Nepal Tourism Board, and Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Mohan Krishna Sapkota.
Also present at the occasion were His Excellency the Ambassador’s wife, Ms. Sita Prasai; Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Khadga Prasad Dahal; Second Secretary Ms. Roshan Khanal; Attaché Kamal Koirala; and the team from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation of Nepal, led by the Joint Secretary. Representatives from Himalayan Expedition, Adventure & Sports, King Akbar Travel & Tours, Karnali Travel & Tours, and Euro Travel & Tours also participated from Nepal.
At the opening ceremony of IMTM Tel Aviv, Amir Halevy, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism of Israel, praised and appreciated the top Israeli tourism professionals, hoteliers, and travel and tour operators.
The tourism fair, which ran for two days (February 10 and 11), attracted 30,000 visitors. Tourism professionals, hotel operators, and travel agencies from 70 different countries presented their stalls at the fair organized by the Israel Ministry of Tourism in Ramat Aviv.
I was so happy and thrilled to be awarded in this way. Thanks to all who helped me to get this award, especially Bhanu Bicentenary Executive Committee Advisor Mr. Narendra Raj Prasai, NAI publication, and my dearest friends in Israel.
