Kathmandu, October 27: The Khem Lal-Harikala Lamichhane Foundation has announced the recipients of this year’s Padma Shri awards. Professor Dr. Jayaraj Acharya has been awarded the Padma Shri Gaurav Award, writer Krishna Dharabasi has received the Padma Shri Sadhana Samman, and the novel “Salah” by renowned poet and lyricist Shrawan Mukarung has won the Padma Shri Sahitya Puraskar.

Acharya, an expert in Nepali, English and Sanskrit, is a distinguished scholar of foreign policy, diplomacy, literature, linguistics and international relations. He has published more than a dozen works on literature, linguistics, international relations and diplomacy. His notable publications include “Yadunath Khanal: Biography and Thought,” “Bhanubhakta Acharya’s Ramayana in Nepali and English,” and “Nepal’s Foreign Policy: A Discourse.”

Acharya has also served as Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He has made significant contributions by connecting Nepali language, literature and diplomatic thought with international perspectives.

Similarly, the Padma Shri Sadhana Samman has been awarded to Krishna Dharabasi, who has been actively engaged in Nepali literature for five decades. Dharabasi is the author of 32 works, including “Sharanarthi,” “Radha” and “Aadha Bato.” He has also edited nearly two dozen books and is recognized as an interpreter of Leela writing.

Through his literary works, Dharabasi explores social realities, human psychology, discrimination and overlooked aspects of history, particularly through fiction and postmodern literary approaches.

Meanwhile, the Padma Shri Sahitya Puraskar, presented for outstanding Nepali literary works published in 2082 BS, has been awarded to “Salah,” a novel by renowned poet and lyricist Shrawan Mukarung.

The novel “Salah” powerfully portrays the marginalized voices of Nepali society and explores complex issues such as gender discrimination, violence, displacement and identity. Its poetic language, symbolism, vivid descriptions of nature and moving narrative style are among its major strengths.

By connecting individual suffering with broader social realities, “Salah” highlights marginalized lives and questions surrounding women's existence, establishing itself as a significant contribution to Nepali fiction.

The foundation’s awards recognize distinguished contributions to Nepali language, literature and diplomacy, as well as outstanding literary works, celebrating diverse forms of literary achievement and dedication.