Santosh Alley conferred Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim Smriti Puraskar

GANGTOK, 04 July: Respected litterateur from West Sikkim, Santosh Alley was awarded the 14th Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim [Lepcha] Smriti Purashkar- 2011 for his book “Karyang-Kurung ko Aakaash” today, on the birth anniversary of the Late Dr. Thegim.
The award was handed over by senior litterateur, Mahananda Poudyal, at the award ceremony organized by the Dr.  Kanti Thegim [Lepcha] Memorial Trust. The function was chaired by RP Poudyal.
Mr. Alley’s name was recommended by a two-tier selection committee constituted by the trust for his book Karyang-Kurung ko Aakaash collection of poems published in the year 2007.

The award includes a cash award of Rs. 12,001, a Tamra Patra and a Certificate.
Also on the occasion, a student of Paljor Namgyal Girls SSS, Arpana Basnet was conferred with the Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim [Lepcha] Memorial Prize and Stipend comprising a cash prize of Rs. 2001 as prize money and Rs. 1500 per annum as stipend for pursuing further studies in Class XI with Nepali as one of her major subjects.
Arpana, a Class XI student of PNG had secured A2 grade in Nepali in her Class X Board examination 2011.
Mahananda Poudyal , who was present as the chief guest, appreciated that this award was not only urban-centric but was giving opportunity and preference to the writers from rural areas.
He mainly spoke on the life of the late Dr Thegim and her contributions to the state.
While congratulating Arpana on her achievements, he advised her to read more literary books to shine as a literary figure herself in the near future.
In his address, RP Poudyal mentioned that the Trust was the only literary body in the state which has been working sincerely and truthfully.
He also pointed out these days, people have been giving more importance to English. On the same, he encouraged the people to give equal priority and importance to Nepali language as well.
The Trust president, Dup Tshering Lepcha, who is also the husband of late Dr Thegim, briefly spoke on the life and contributions of Dr Thegim to literature. He informed that she was also the first ladies from Sikkim to hold a P hd degree. Mr Lepcha also explained the working of the Trust and the selection process for the award.