Devendra Gautam Journalism Awards 2026 Announced: Celebrating Excellence in Nepali Journalism

Kathmandu – The Devendra Gautam Journalism Award Committee has officially announced the recipients of the 2026 Devendra Gautam Journalism Awards, marking a notable shift in the tradition of honoring Nepal’s leading journalists. Starting this year, the awards will be presented annually on February 13, the birth anniversary of the late Devendra Gautam, rather than the previously observed memorial day. This change aims to celebrate his life and contributions, rather than focusing solely on remembrance.

The initiative to shift the award ceremony to Gautam’s birth anniversary was led by Pradeepa Gautam, chairperson of the Current Media and Research Center and widow of Devendra Gautam. “We believe it is more fitting to celebrate his life and contributions rather than solely remember his passing. This change aims to honor the values Devendra Gautam upheld and to keep his journalistic spirit alive,” she explained.

For 2026, the awards will recognize three distinguished personalities for their exceptional contributions to journalism in Nepal and internationally. Kishor Shrestha, senior journalist, editor-in-chief of Jana Aastha Weekly, and vice president of the World Press Council, will be honored for his long-standing dedication to fearless investigative reporting, editorial independence, and press freedom. Shrestha’s work has consistently strengthened Nepali journalism, earning him a certificate and a cash prize of NPR 100,000.

In addition, Haribahadur Thapa Magar, a veteran technician with more than 35 years of continuous service at Current Publications, will receive recognition for his unwavering dedication and his role in maintaining the institutional stability of Nepali media. He will be awarded a certificate and a cash prize of NPR 50,000.

The third awardee, Zhang Chenyi, senior journalist at China News Service, will be recognized for his outstanding contributions to Nepal-China communication and international journalism. Over his career, Zhang has produced nearly 3,000 news reports, photographs, and video stories covering Nepal’s politics, economy, society, and culture. His work has been widely republished internationally, significantly enhancing Nepal’s global visibility. He will also receive a certificate and a cash prize of NPR 50,000.

Established in memory of Devendra Gautam, the founder of Nepal Post, the award seeks to honor individuals who exemplify truth, integrity, public accountability, and long-term contributions to journalism. The decision to present the awards on February 13 emphasizes celebration, inspiration, and recognition of journalistic excellence rather than mourning.

The Devendra Gautam Journalism Award Committee has announced that detailed information about the award ceremony and related programs will be released soon, promising an event that celebrates Nepal’s media achievements and inspires future generations of journalists.

Pradeepa Gautam, Chairperson of the Committee, emphasized that this new tradition aims to keep Gautam’s vision and legacy alive, motivating journalists to uphold high standards of professionalism, courage, and public service.

This year’s announcement reinforces Nepal’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of media professionals who have shaped the country’s journalism landscape, highlighting the importance of integrity, dedication, and cross-border engagement in today’s media environment.