Three Distinguished Personalities Honoured at the 15th Anniversary of the FNJ UK

London: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) UK celebrated its 15th anniversary with a variety of programmes. The event, held on Friday at Empire Hall in Aldershot, was attended by senior journalist Bhagirath Yogi as the chief guest and was chaired by the branch’s President, Bimala Sene.

At the event, the branch presented its annual Journalism Honour Award 2026 to senior journalist Major Sonam Chhiring Sherpa. The award was presented in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development and promotion of Nepali journalism in the United Kingdom over many years.

Similarly, former Gurkha soldier, world record-holding mountaineer and disability rights campaigner Dr Hari Budha Magar was presented with a special honour. He was recognised for his significant contribution to the country and society at the global level, as well as for his inspiring journey.

In 2023, Dr Budha Magar made history by becoming the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest. He was also recently honoured with the prestigious Guinness World Records Icon Award.

Likewise, author, researcher and poet Dr Sangita Shrestha ‘Swechcha’, who has spent more than two decades in the UK was also presented with a special honour for promoting Nepali art, literature and culture both nationally and internationally,
Dr Swechcha, who also serves as Chair of International Association of Art and Culture for Peace (IAACP) at the Universal Peace Federation UK, has played an important role in connecting Nepali literature with the international community.

During the programme, journalist Goma Rana Magar, Vice-President Pramila Labung Rai and Secretary Manju Bhandari Kharel highlighted the contributions of the honoured personalities.

On the same occasion, the branch officially launched the journalism-themed song Hami Patrakar (We Journalists), with lyrics written by the branch’s Senior Vice-President Narendra Basnet. Produced with the support of modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, the song artistically portrays the values of integrity, courage, truth and social responsibility in journalism.

The programme was attended by NRNA UK Patron David Gurung, NEFIN UK President Major Yogesh Koyi Rai, FONIJ UK President Bam Thapa Suryabanshi, former Mayor and Councillor Bishnu Gurung, former Nepal Police DSP Shivaji Shrestha, Tamu Dhee UK President Jumkaji Gurung, Aama Samuha UK President Kamaladevi Gurung, Magar Association UK Vice-President Gumansingh Thapa, GRNC President Leela Seling Mawo, along with representatives from various organisations.

On the occasion, Dr Dut Pun (Chimkhole Kainla), who recently earned a PhD, Bishwas Deep Tigela, who was elected Vice-President of the NRNA ICC, and Manju Bhandari Kharel, who was elected President of Gulmi Society UK, were also honoured.

Sponsors who supported the programme, as well as artists Shivdas Gurung, Asmita Rana Magar and Rajendra Kerung, who had travelled from Nepal, were also honoured.

They performed musical and dance presentations during the event.

Chief guest Bhagirath Yogi emphasised the need for unity and co-operation among journalists and urged the organisation to move forward by embracing those within the institution who remain dissatisfied.

NRNA UK Patron David Gurung suggested that the next anniversary celebration be held at the Embassy of Nepal in London, while former Nepal Police DSP Shivaji Shrestha expressed the view that membership should be granted only to professional journalists in order to uphold the dignity of journalism. Former Mayor and Councillor Bishnu Gurung highlighted the role and importance of the media in society and extended his best wishes on the occasion of the organisation’s 15th anniversary.

In her closing remarks, President Bimala Sene thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of the programme and expressed her commitment to making the branch stronger and more united.

Vice-President Pramila Labung Rai delivered the welcome address, while General Secretary Khemraj Ranabhat hosted the programme.

Secretary Bishwas Deep Tigela read out congratulatory messages received from FNJ Central President Nirmala Sharma, as well as from well-wishers in Nepal and abroad.