Writer Chettri conferred with India’s prestigious Padma Shri Award

November 9, Kathmandu: The Indian government has honoured three persons from the Nepali speaking community, including writer Lil Bahadur Chhetri, with the prestigious Padma Shri Award. 

The Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards, which are given every year on the occasion of Republic Day, were presented by President Ram Nath Kobind at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, India on Monday. 

The award, which is presented annually on the occasion of Republic Day, was not distributed due to the Covid-19 pandemic last year. The previous and this year’s winners were awarded during a special ceremony held on Monday. 

Last year, the names of 118 people, including Chhetri, were announced for the Padma Shri. This year, 102 people received the award.

Archer Tarundeep Rai from Sikkim and shooter Jitu Rai from Assam of India also received the Padma Shri Award.

The award was given to Chettri for his special contribution to Assam’s education and literature. Chhetri, who wrote more than 18 books including novels, short stories collections, essays and reviews, has also received the Jagdamba Award from Nepal. 

Chettri, 89, has also won the Sahitya Akademi Award of India for his work ‘Brahmaputra Chheuchau’ (In the Periphery of Brahmaputra).