Mandi Honors Ramesh Banta, Vijay Vishal, and Surajmani with Hemkant Katyayan Memorial Awards
Mandi, December 25 (Munish Sood)
The Hemkant Katyayan Memorial Awards were presented today in Mandi to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to journalism, literature, and art. The ceremony, held at Saraswati Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, was attended by Onkar Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, who presented the awards.
The three honorees were:
- Ramesh Banta of Jogindernagar, recipient of the Hemkant Katyayan Journalism Award for his lifelong dedication to the field.
- Dr. Vijay Vishal, awarded the Literary Service Award for his impactful work in literature.
- Surajmani, the renowned Shehnai maestro, who was posthumously honored with the Art Service Award. His wife, Meena Devi, accepted the award on his behalf.
During his address, Onkar Sharma celebrated Mandi’s intellectual and cultural heritage, referring to it as “Choti Kashi” for its vibrant scholarly community. He highlighted the significant role of the city in shaping journalism, literature, and the arts, noting that Mandi’s intellectuals have contributed greatly to the region’s development.
The event, titled Adaranjali, began with floral tributes to Hemkant Katyayan’s portrait, followed by the lighting of a ceremonial lamp. The ceremony featured cultural performances, including Saraswati Vandana, group songs, and folk dances by local artists. A commemorative souvenir titled Adaranjali was also released, celebrating Katyayan’s legacy.
Trust Chairperson Nirmala Katyayan announced that the awards would become an annual tradition, with plans for a larger celebration next year. Senior literary figure Murari Sharma and Katyayan’s son, Siddharth, shared stories about the journalist’s profound impact on the region.
In his closing remarks, Trust Treasurer Birbal Sharma expressed gratitude for the support received and reaffirmed the commitment to honoring deserving individuals each year, ensuring that Hemkant Katyayan’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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