Kathmandu.

Press Council Nepal observed its 53rd Anniversary dated 23 September 2022 at Rashtrapati Bhavan Sheetal Niwas with a special ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, Right Honorable President Bidhya Devi Bhandari stated that the spread of false and misleading information through new means of communication is a challenge. She expressed her pleasure on the Council’s provision of mandatory orientation to the new online media prior to their operation to address the global challenge of making the online media more dignified and effective and remarked it as an important start.

President Bhandari recalled that the Press Council has been established for the development of clean, independent and responsible journalism by maintaining the professional conduct and expressed confidence that the organization will continue to play a role for that.

She appreciated that the Council, the Guardian body of journalists and media, has been awarding journalists who follow the journalist’s code of conduct and punishing those who violate it. In order to institutionalize and strengthen the federal democratic republic guaranteed by the constitution, President Bhandari stressed that all parts of the state should seriously follow the constitutional provisions. Since the local level election has already been completed and periodic election of Federal and Provincial level is going to be held, President Bhandari expressed her belief that the journalism sector as a civil community will play an effective role in conducting the Federal and Province Assembly election in peaceful, fair and free environment on 20th November

In the ceremony, the Minister of Communications and Information, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, reminded that the local government, which is the foundation of democracy, has already been formed and said that journalists are expected to contribute more in the elections to be held on November 20th. He mentioned that it is easy to climb the stage and talk about duties and rights, but it is difficult to adapt them into practice. Hence, he drew attention for the implementation. He pointed out that the necessity to analyze the purpose behind the establishment of the Press Council and access the progress towards the purpose and its capability in facing the current problems. Minister Karki said that the society expects more from the Council and urged young journalists to be a source of inspiration.

 Credibility is disturbed when the news comes with doubtful facts: Chairman Basnet

Chairman of Press Council Nepal Balkrishna Basnet emphasized that all political forces should be serious and aware in the matter of nationalism or other campaigns of nation building as there are various problems within the nation. He said that the media sector will play an important role in making the campaign successful.

He urged all the media to pay enough attention to the negative contemplations seen in the country as they have to play a role in bringing it to the path of consensus. Chairman Basnet indicated the difficulty in distinguishing who is a journalist and who is not and that the credibility is disturbed when content comes in the media such that impartiality and facts are doubted. Therefore, he pointed out upon the need for reliable journalism to strengthen the media.

Journalists awarded in 11 Genre including Gopaldas Journalism Award

Press Council Nepal has awarded journalist Hari Bahadur Thapa with “Press Council Gopal Das Journalism Award”. Likewise “Press Council Surendra Bahadur Basnet Journalism Award” has been conferred to Madhav Bhandari (Bidrohi), the journalist from Jhapa. This year the Press Council Code of Conduct Award was presented to Awaz FM Parsa (Managing Director – Shyam Banjara) and Annapurna Post Daily, Kathmadu.

Those who won this year’s “Press Council Resilient Mediapersons Award”  are Surendra Kafle, Morang (now Kathmandu), Dil Bahadur Chhatyal, Kailali, Nabaraj Chatkuli, Dhading and Balkrishna Adhikari, Kathmadu.

“Press Council Language Journalism Award” has been presented to Tekraj Thami for Thami language Gorkhapatra edition while Damodar Prasad Dawadi (Kathmadu), Ekraj Pathak (Kathmadu), Suresh Dhami (Kanchanpur), Shyamnath Kunwar (Kaski), Nisha Oli (Kathmadu), Krishna K.C. (Lamjunh), Bhupraj Khadka (Khotang), Puskar Budhathoki (Bhaktapur), Manoj Joshi (Tanhun, now Kathmadu) and Bimal Yogi (Vinod), Dang bagged the “Press Council Active Journalism Award”.

“Press Council Youth Journalism Award” went to Makar Shrestha (Bhaktapur), Hima Kumari Chemjong (Dhankuta), Rajendra Dhami (Darchula), Tapendra Karki (Solukhumbu), Jeevan Lama (Dolkha), Haribol Acharya (Khotang), Shambhu Dangal (Kathmadu), Ravindra Kafle ( Panchathar), Dibi Budda (Jumla), Mahesh KC (Rukum), Pradeep Pariyar (Jhapa), Dashrath Ghimire (Dang) and Keshara Raj Kshetri (Pyuthan).

Press Council conferred the “Literary Journalism Award” to Mayamitu Neupane of Sahityapost and “Press Council Women Empowerment Journalism Award” to Saritashree Gyawali from Bardiya, Sanchita Ghimire from Lalitpur, Sharada Gaihre from Rupandehi, and  Rama K.C. from Surkhet.

“Press Council Inclusive Journalism Award” went to Praveen kumar Sharma (Rautahat), Ajay Gorkhali (Chitwan) and Hem Bahadur (Kamal) Rana (Syangja) while Bijaya Ratna Tuladhar (Kathmadu), Aanand Shrestha (Sunsari) and Jeevan Kumar Parajuli (Kathmandu) have been awarded with ” Press Council Genre-wise Journalism Award “.

This year’s ” Press Council Employee of the Year Award” was received by Rehmatulha Mian, Circulation Audit Officer, and Lokraj Bhatta, Media Monitor, while “Staff Incentive Award” was given to Media Monitor, Samjhana Poudel, and office assistant, Vishnu Prasad Neupane. Mr.Devi Bahadur Rana, who has completed 20 years of service, has been honored with the “Press Council Long Service Medal”.

 Awardees Details:

Staff Incentive Award

1. Office Assistant, Vishnu Prasad Neupane

Born on 15^th Mangshir 2028 B.S. in Sindhupalchowk, Vishnu Prasad Neupane has been working in Council for last 20 years as an Office Assistant. Neupane has been awarded the Employee Incentive Award, 2079 for efficiently performing the responsibilities given by the Council.

2. Media Monitor, Samjhana Poudel

Samjhana Poudel, born in Makawanpurgadhi on 16^th Jestha 2052 B.S., has joined Council on 2^nd Baisakh 2075 B.S. Poudel has been active in Journalism for a long time before joining the Council. She has been awarded the Employee Incentive Award, 2079 for efficiently performing the responsibilities given by the Council including Media Monitoring.

Press Council Long Service Medal

Light Vehicle Driver Devi Bahadur Ranamagar

Devi Bahadur Ranamagar was born on 6^th Ashwin 2028 B.S. as a child of father Surya Bahadur Rana and mother Dhanalaxmi. He joined the Council in Magh 2053 B.S. with temporary appointment and became the permanent employee on 5^th Chaitra 2058 B.S. Mr. Ranamagar, who has been working diligently for 20 years, was awarded with “Press Council Nepal Long Service Medal 2079” in appreciation for his contribution to his work for the fulfillment of the institutional purpose.

Press Council Employee of the Year Award

1. Media Monitor, Lokraj Bhatta

Lokraj Bhatta, born on 5th Baisakh, 2050 B.S. at Gurukhola Pali of Baitadi, has joined the Council on 2^nd Baisakh 2075 B.S. Bhatta has completed his Masters Degree on Mass Communication & Journalism, and Public Administration along with the experience of working with Health Today National Monthly and Health Today Nepal.com. He has been awarded with Press Council Employee of the Year Award, 2079 for efficiently performing the duties given by the Council including Media Monitoring and Complaints Management.

2. Circulation Audit Officer, Rehmatulha Mian

Rehmatulha Mian, born in 2032 B.S. in Gorkha, has been serving the Council for last 25 years. Post Graduate on Journalism, Mian has the experience of working with Nepal Samacharpatra Daily, Himal Weakly and Madhursandesh Monthly magazine. Main, Head of the Circulation Audit Section, has been awarded the Press Council Employee of the Year Award, 2079 for exceling the responsibilities designated by the Council to him including the classification and evaluation of the newspaper across Nepal.

Letter of Appreciation to Kathmandu Medical College

A Letter of Appreciation has been presented to Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal expressing sincere thanks for the service and support provided by its team of technical and expert doctors during the comprehensive health camp organized on the occasion of Press Council Nepal’s 53^rd anniversary and Constitution Day.

Press Council Genre-wise Journalism Award

1. Jeevan Kumar Parajuli, Kathmandu

Born in 2047 B.S. in Parbat, Jeevan Kumar Parajuli has been active in journalism since 2064 B.S. Currently associated with Thuloparda.com, Parajuli has been awarded the Press Council Genre-wise Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution through journalism.

2. Aananda Kumar Shrestha, Sunsari

Born on 15^th Baisakh 2020 B.S. in Sunsari, Journalist Aananda Kumar Shrestha is also the former Chairman of the Federation of Nepali Journalists Sunsari branch. Shrestha, who has been active in the field of journalism for a long time, is currently the Director of Ganatantra F.M. He has been awarded the Press Council Genre-wise Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution through journalism.

3. Bijaya Ratna Tuladhar, Kathmadu

Bijaya Ratna Tuladhar, born on 6^th Jestha 2018 B.S. in Kathmandu, is active in journalism for 4 decades. Tuladhar, who has been active in various print and electronic media for a long time in the field of journalism, is currently working in Nice Television. Being also a writer and publisher, he has been awarded the Press Council Genre-wise Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution through journalism.

 Press Council Inclusive Journalism Award

2. Hem Bahadur Rana (Kamal), Syangja

Journalist Hem Bahadur Rana (Kamal), who was born on 10^th Magh 2046 B.S. in Syangja, has been active in journalism since 2062 B.S. Working with Nepal Bhumi Weekly, Chalphal Weakly, Sampati Monthly, Uptodate Weakly, Journalist Rana is now the owner/editor of Dainiksamaj.com. He has been awarded the Press Council Inclusive Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

2. Ajay Gorkhali, Chitwan

Journalist Ajay Gorkhali was born in Nawalparasi in 2044 B.S. He has been active in the field of journalism since 2064 B.S. Gorkhali, who is currently affiliated with Janaarpan weekly newspaper, has been awarded the Press Council Inclusive Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

3. Praveen Kumar Sharma, Rautahat

Journalist Praveen Kumar Sharma, who was born in Rautahat on 1^st Baisakh 2040 B.S, has been active in journalism for a long time. Sharma, who is currently Station Manager at Radio Durga Bhagwati, has been awarded the Press Council Inclusive Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

4. Sirajuddin Khan, Banke

Journalist Sirajuddin Khan, who was born on 20^th Jestha 2024 B.S. in Nepalganj, began his journalism in 2046 B.S. He has worked in Suruchi Weekly, Nepali Patra, Jana Swotantrata, Himalaya Times, Nepali Express, Karobar Daily, etc. He is currently the Nepalgunj Correspondent of Gorkhapatra. He has been awarded the Press Council Inclusive Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

 Press Council Women Empowerment Journalism Award

1. Rama K.C., Surkhet

Journalist Rama K.C., born in Surkhet on 28^th Shrawan 2052 B.S., is working in Himal Press. She has been awarded the Press Council Women’s Empowerment Journalism Award, 2079 for her significant contribution through journalism for a long time.

2. Sharada Ghaire, Rupandehi

Born in Lamjung on 20^th Baisakh 2037 B.S., journalist Sharda Gaihre has been active in the field of journalism for a long time. Currently associated with Dainik Nepal, she has been awarded the Press Council Women’s Empowerment Journalism Award, 2079, for her significant contribution to daily newspaper Nepal through journalism.

3. Sanchita Ghimire, Lalitpur

Born in Lalitpur, journalist Sanchita Ghimire has been active in the field of journalism for a long time. Journalist Ghimire, who is currently affiliated to the National News Agency, has been awarded the Press Council Women’s Empowerment Journalism Award, 2079 for her significant contribution in the field of journalism.

4. Saritashree Gyawali, Bardiya

Saritashree Gyawali, a journalist active in journalism for a long time, has experience working in Nepal Television, Kantipur Television, AP1 TV. Gyawali, who is currently affiliated with Galaxy 4k TV, has been awarded the Press Council Women’s Empowerment Journalism Award, 2079 for her significant contribution in the field of journalism.

Press Council Literary Journalism Award

Mayamitu Neupane, Jhapa

 Born in Jhapa on the 22^nd Kartik 2034 B.S, journalist Mayamitu Neupane started journalism in the year 2060 B.S. from Janajyoti Weekly. Neupane is currently working at Sahityapost.com has worked with Purvasandesh Daily, Rajdhani Daily, Radio Nepalvani, Radio Birgunj. She has a special interest in literature and literary journalism. She has already received Vanita Samman 2061, Devkota Centenary Award 2066, Regional Education Journalism Award 2072 and others. Neupane has been awarded the Press Council Literary Journalism Award 2079 in recognition of her role in the literary field through journalism.

Press Council Youth Journalism Award

1. Keshar Raj Roka, Pyuthan

Born on 29 Bhatra 2047 B.S. in Pyuthan, journalist Keshar Raj Roka has been active in journalism since 2064 B.S. Currently working at Annapurna Post Daily, Roka has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

2. Dashrath Ghimire, Dang

Journalist Dasharath Ghimire, who was born in Dang on 15^th Mangshir 2046 B.S., has been active in the field of journalism for a long time. Working in Nepal Television, Naya Yugabodh Daily, Ghimire is affiliated with Deshsanchar.com. He has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

3. Pradeep Pariyar, Jhapa

Journalist Pradeep Periyar was born on 29^th Shrawan 2048 B.S. in Jhapa. He has been continuously involved in journalism since 2066 B.S. He has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

4. Mahesh K.C., Rukum

Journalist Mahesh K.C., who was born in Rukum Purva on 4^th Chaitra 2047 B.S., is working in Kantipur Television. Being active in journalism for a long time, he has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

5. Dhan Bahadur Budda (DB), Jumla

Journalist Dhan Bahadur Budda (DB), who was born on 5^th Jestha 2045 B.S. in Jumla, has been active in journalism since 2063 B.S. Budda has worked with Radio Karnali FM, Citizen Daily and  he is currently affiliated with Kantipur Daily. He has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

6. Khagendra Bhandari, Dadelhura

Journalist Khagendra Bhandari, who was born on 13th Jestha 2046 B.S. in Dadeldhura, has been active in journalism for the past 12 years. Currently the editor of Nepal Manch.com, Bhandari has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

7. Ravindra Kafle, Panchthar

Journalist Ravindra Kafle was born in Panchthar on 7^th Ashar 2048 B.S. He has been active in journalism since 2068 B.S. Kafle, who has gained working experience in Phidim Post Weekly, Kanchenjunga Times Daily, Mechi Post Daily and National News Agency, has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for making significant contributions in the field of journalism.

8. Shambhu Dangal, Kathmandu

Born in Kathmandu on 3^rd Magh 2043 B.S., journalist Shambhu Dangal has been active in journalism since 2062 B.S. He has a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s degree in law. He has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for making significant contributions in the field of journalism.

9. Haribol Acharya, Khotang

Journalist Haribol Acharya, who was born on 20^th Shrawan 2043 B.S. in Diktel, Khotang, started his journalism in 2061 B.S. with Samarg newspaper. Acharya, who is currently working at Halesi News Network, has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

10. Jeevan Lama, Dolakha

Born in Dolakha on 14^th Ashar 2039 B.S., journalist Jeevan Lama has been active in the field of journalism for a long time. Lama, who is also the former president of the Dolakha branch of the Federation of Nepali Journalist, is currently associated with Edainik Khabar.com. He has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

11. Tapendra Karki, Solukhumbhu

Born in Likhupike of Solukhumbu, journalist Tapendra Karki has been active in the field of journalism since 2063 B.S. He is currently affiliated with Nagarik Daily and he has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

12. Rajendra Dhami, Darchula

Journalist Rajendra Dhami was born in Darchula on 4^th Ashwin 2046 B.S. and he has been active in journalism since 2063. Dhami, who entered journalism from Kalapani Post weekly, is currently the editor of Sarathipost Daily. He has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

13. Hima Kumari Chemjong, Dhankuta

Journalist Hima Kumari Chemjong was born in Dhankuta on 1^st Ashwin 2036 B.S. and she has been active in journalism for a long time. Chemjong, who is currently the editor of Jana Biswas Weekly, has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for her significant contribution to the field of journalism.

14. Makar Shrestha, Bhaktapur

Makar Shrestha, a journalist born in Dolakha district, has been active in journalism for a long time. Shrestha is affiliated with Kantipur Daily and he has been awarded the Press Council Youth Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

 Press Council Active Journalism Award

1. Bimal Yogi (Vinod)

Journalist Bimal Yogi (Vinod) born in Dang on 15^th Shrawan 2032 B.S. has been active in journalism since 2055 B.S. Having the working experience with Lumbini Daily, Khabar Kagaj Weekly, Jalan Montlhy, Radio Swargadwari FM, Nepal Weekly, Sourya Daily, Dainik Nepal.com, Rajdhani Dainik, he is currently affiliated with Republica Daily.  Yogi has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his contribution to journalism.

2. Manoj Joshi, Tanahun

Journalist Manoj Joshi was born in Tanahun district. Active in journalism for 2 decades, Joshi is currently affiliated with AP1 Television after working with Image Channel and Kantipur Television. Joshi has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his contribution to journalism.

3. Puskar Raj Budhathoki, Bhaktapur

Journalist Pushkar Raj Budhathoki, who was born in the year 2033 B.S. in Fasku, Dolakha, has been active in journalism for a long time. Budhathoki has accumulated working experience in Radio Nepal and Nepal Samacharpatra Daily. He has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his contribution to journalism.

4. Bhuparaj Khadka, Khotang

Journalist Bhuparaj Khadka was born in Khotang on 25^th Chaitra, 2028 B.S. He started journalism from Chalphal weekly. Khadka, who has been active in journalism since 2046 B.S, has a special interest in the field of research. For his contribution in journalism sector, Khadka has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079.

5. Krishna K.C., Lamjung

Born in 2032 B.S., journalist Krishna K.C started journalism in 2052 B.S. with Sri Sagarmatha and Everest Herald Daily. Having accumulated working experience in various national dailies, K.C. is the publisher/editor of Lamjung Darpan Daily. He has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his contribution to journalism.

6. Nakul Aryal, Kathmandu

Born in Chitwan on 17^th Falgun 2047 B.S., Nakul Aryal has been active in journalism for the past 15 years. Aryal, currently working as an editor at Arthapurna.com, has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his contribution to journalism.

7. Nisha Oli, Kathmandu

Journalist Nisha Oli was born on 8^th Baisakh 2047 B.S.in Surunga, Jhapa. She has been active in journalism since 2064 B.S. Oli, who entered to the field of journalism from Jhapa’s Pathibhara FM, is currently working as an editor at KTM Daily.com. She has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his contribution to journalism.

8. Shyam Nath Kunwar, Kaski

 Journalist Shyam Nath Kunwar, who was born in Palpa on 12th May 2026, has been active in journalism for 3 decades. He has working experience with Deurali Gaunle Weekly, Netritwo Weekly, Srinagar Weekly, Palpa, Dainik Jana Sangharsh, Janaastha Weekly, Gagan (Weekly), Dainik Janamat, Pokhara Patra Daily, Samadhan National Daily Pokhara. Kunwar has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his contribution to journalism.

9. Suresh Singh Dhami, Kanchanpur

Journalist Suresh Singh Dhami was born in Kanchanpur on 12^th Ashwin 2036 B.S. and he has been active as a representative in various media since 2058 B.S. Currently Dhami is the editor of Api Today Daily. He has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his contribution to journalism.

10. Ekraj Pathak, Kathmandu

Journalist Ekraj Pathak was born in Baglung on 14^th Falgun 2031 B.S. He started journalism in 2054 B.S. from Nepal Vani weekly. Pathak, who has been working in the National News Agency for the past 23 years and is currently serving as the Chief Editor, has been teaching mass communication and journalism for 16 years. He has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution to journalism.

11. Damodar Prasad Dawadi, Kathmandu

Active in journalism for more than three decades, Damodar Prasad Dawadi is also a former member of Press Council Nepal. Dawadi, the president of the Loktantrik Print Media National Society, is an expert in print journalism. He has been awarded the Press Council Active Journalism Award, 2079 for his contribution to the development and promotion of print and radio journalism in Nepal.

 Press Council Language Journalism Awards

Tekraj Thami, Kathmandu

Born in Dolakha district, journalist Tekraj Thami has been working as a coordinator in the Thami language edition of Gorkhapatra Daily since 2064 B.S. Thami has been active in journalism for a long time. He has been awarded the Press Council Language Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

Press Council Resilient Journalists Award

1. Balakrishna Adhikari, Dhading

Journalist Balkrishna Adhikari was born in Dhading on 12^th Shrawan 2040 B.S. He has been active in journalism since 2059 B.S. Working with Sourya Dainik, Janmabhumi Weekly, he is currently affiliated with Naya Patrika Daily. He has been awarded the Press Council Resilient Journalist Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

2. Nabaraj Chatkuli, Dhading

Journalist Nabaraj Chatkuli was born in Dhading on 1^st Ashar 2037 B.S. He has been active in journalism since 2059 B.S. Chatkuli started journalism from the Pradeshi weekly Chitwan and he is currently working at Image Television. He has been awarded the Press Council Resilient Journalist Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

3. Dil Bahadur Chhatyal, Kailali

Journalist Dil Bahadur Chhatyal, who was born on 8^th Magh 2036 B.S. in Dadeldhura, has been active in journalism since 2056 B.S. Chhatyal has accumulated working experience in Kalapani weekly, Nayamuluk Daily, Kantipur Daily, Dainik.com and Nagarik Daily, among others. He has been awarded the Press Council Resilient Journalist Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

4. Surendra Kafle, Morang (Now Kathmandu)

Journalist Surendra Kafle, who was born in Bhojpur on 5^th Mangshir 2035 B.S., has been active in journalism since 2059 B.S. Kafle is currently working in Annapurna Post Daily. He has been awarded the Press Council Resilient Journalist Award, 2079 for his significant contribution in the field of journalism.

Press Council Code of Conduct Award

1. Awaz F.M., Parsa (Shyam Banjara)

Awaz FM 88 MHz, which started broadcasting from Parsa on 1st Baisakh 2073 B.S., has been producing and broadcasting news/programs focusing on local caste, language, religion, culture, sect and community. This FM, run by Awaz Broadcasting Media Pvt. Ltd., has been awarded the Press Council Code of Conduct Award, 2079, in appreciation of the role played in information dissemination through radio broadcasting.

2. Annapurna Post Daily, Kathmandu (Akhand Bhandari)

Established 21 years ago, Annapurna Post National Daily has been playing an important role in the development of journalism in Nepal. The Press Council Code of Conduct Award, 2079 has been given in appreciation of the role played in the field of journalism by being committed to the dissemination of true facts and information through investigative journalism and adhering to the code of conduct.

Certificate of Honor and Identity Card to Former President and Member of Press Council Nepal

The following 12 persons have been awarded with Certificate of Honor and Identity Card:

1. Govind Prasad Chaulagain, Former Member
2. Chetnath Dhamla, Former Member
3. Sangita Khadka, Former Member
4. Manrishi Dhitan, Former Member
5. Khilbahadur Bhandari, Former Member
6. Subhechhabindu Tuladhar, Former Member
7. Sudarshan Acharya, Former Member
8. Damodar Prasad Dawadi, Former Member
9. Madhav Sharma, Former Member
10. Kishor Shrestha, Former Acting President
11. Gopal Budhathoki, Former Acting President
12. Somnath Ghimire, Former Acting President

 Press Council Surendra Bahadur Basnet Journalism Award

Amount of Rs. one lakh 10 thousand

Senior Journalist Madhav Bhandari (Bidrohi)

Senior journalist Madhav Bhandari was born on 15^th Jestha 2022 B.S. in Jhapa. He has been active in journalism for a long time. Bhandari, who has accumulated working experience in Kurakani, Daily Diary, Jwala, Drishti, Budhabar and Janaastha Weekly as well as Radio Nepal, Space Time Daily, Channel Nepal TV, Kanchenjunga FM, Jhapa Post Daily etc., is currently working in Swadhin Samvad Weekly and Radio Vision. In 2076, he was honored with Praval Janasevi Shree Medal. He has been awarded Press Council Surendra Bahadur Basnet Journalism Award, 2079 for his remarkable contribution to journalism.

Press Council Gopaldas Journalism Award

Amount of Rs. one lakh 51 thousand

Senior Journalist Hari Bahadur Thapa, Kathmandu

Senior journalist Hari Bahadur Thapa was born on 11^th Baisakh 2029 B.S. He has been writing for a long time in the fields of parliamentary affairs, administrative mechanisms, hydroelectricity, etc. Former editor of Kantipur Daily and former editor of Annapurna Post Daily, Thapa is currently the Chief Editor  of Ekagaj.com. He is the author of books like Bhrastacharko Salyakriya, Videshi Sahayetaka Bisangati, Daliye Dwonda, Rajgaj, Rajnitik Daupech Bhitraka Karmacharitantra etc. He has a master’s degree in mass communication and journalism. Thapa has been awarded the Press Council Gopaldas Journalism Award, 2079 for his significant contribution to journalism.