NFPJ celebrates 28th Anniversary, elects new leadership team

The National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ), the country’s first and largest umbrella organization for photojournalists, has entered its 28th year. Established in 1996, NFPJ has been a prominent advocate for the professional rights, safety, and skill development of photojournalists in Nepal.

Marking the occasion, NFPJ held its 27th Annual General Assembly and 13th Convention in a special program attended by senior photojournalists and dignitaries. During the event, a new 15-member leadership team was elected, with Pradeep Raj Onta chosen as President. The newly elected team includes Lekh Bahadur (Sagar) Shrestha as Senior Vice President, Chandrakala Kshetri (Bhagwati) as Female Vice President, Sunil Sharma as First Vice President, Narayan Silwal as Vice President, Ghanshyam Shrestha as General Secretary, Prabin Kulung Rai as Secretary, and Pradeep Shrestha as Treasurer.

The central members elected are Sushil Kumar Shrestha, Mukunda Kalikote, Ramita Chhuju, Harish Singh Nagal, Dipendra Maharjan, Anup Pradhan, and Sagar Basnet.

The program, held under the chief guest, Pradeep Yadav, Water Supply Minister, also featured special guests including Bal Krishna Basnet, Chairman of Press Council Nepal; Kavindra Man Shakya and Rajbhai Suwal, former NFPJ Presidents, Bimala Tumkhewa, President of Sancharika Samuha; Digambar Rajbanshi, General Secretary, Nepal Photographers Federation; and Hari Ghimire, President of Kathmandu Photographers Association.

During the event, several photojournalists were honored for their exceptional work. The Harigopal Pradhan Photojournalism Award recognized photojournalists in various categories: Ganesh Bista for Cultural Heritage, Sujan Bajracharya for Courageous Photography, Prabin Shrestha for Environment and Tourism, Lekh Bahadur Shrestha for Entertainment, and Saroj Nepal for Sports Photography. The prestigious Madhav Thapa Risky Photojournalism Award 2024 was presented to Ramita Chhuju from CWIN Nepal for her work in the field of children’s issues.

Additionally, the NFPJ President’s Award 2024 was conferred upon Acting General Secretary Ghanshyam Shrestha for his outstanding contributions during his term. The Best District Branch Award went to the Ramechhap District Branch for its exceptional performance.