Basant Maharjan honored with "Abhinava-Chyorten-Mussuri Buddhist Philosophy and Literature Award 2082"

Kathmandu, April 11. For continuous study, research, and writing on the Buddha and Buddhist philosophy, Basanta Maharjan was honored today with the “Abhinav-Chhyorten-Musuri Buddhist Philosophy and Literature Award 2082”, which carries a cash prize of NPR 25,000.

Established by the Abhinav Sahitya Samaj, Jorpati, in the names of Chhyorten Lama and Musuri Lama, this award is presented annually to a practitioner who has made significant contributions to Buddhist philosophy. Two distinguished individuals had previously received the award.

Expressing gratitude upon receiving the honor, writer Basanta Maharjan stated that such recognitions further encourage dedicated scholars and generate positive inspiration for others in society. During his remarks, he highlighted the deep relationship between the Nepali language and Buddhism, noting that some of the earliest inscriptions in the Nepali language were related to Buddhist themes. He also stated that the Karnali region, regarded as the cradle of the Nepali language, was once a Buddhist kingdom. Among his eleven published works on Buddhist philosophy is The Rise and Fall of Buddhism in the Khasa Empire.

During the program, cultural scholar and writer Shital Giri introduced the awardee, recalling that he had been reading Maharjan’s works since the 1990s. He remarked that Maharjan had steadily progressed in the fields of research and writing, culminating in this prestigious recognition today.

Chief Guest and former Nepali Ambassador to Japan, Ganesh Yonjan, emphasized that much work still remains to be done for the Buddha and Buddhism, and stressed the importance of continuing to honor and encourage those engaged in such efforts.

Abhinav Sahitya Samaj, dedicated to the promotion of Nepali literature, regularly organizes literary gatherings. On this occasion, a special poetry symposium was also held. The program was chaired by the society’s Vice President, Bimal Aryal.