Shankhnaad Social Organisation felicitates 16 distinguished personalities at statewide ‘Srijan-2025’ event
MANDI: In a proud moment for Mandi district, two of its most respected literary figures — Dr Ganga Ram Raji and Murari Sharma — were among the four leading intellectuals conferred with the prestigious Sirmaur Gaurav Award at the state-level event Srijan-2025, organised by the Shankhnaad Social Organisation.
The award recognises their outstanding contributions to Hindi literature at both state and national levels.
Dr Ganga Ram Raji, the most prolific novelist in Himachal Pradesh, has authored numerous works of historical fiction, including Rani Khairghadi, General Zorawar Singh and Bomb Master Bhai Hirda Ram, all of which have been translated into English, Dogri and Punjabi.
Murari Sharma, an acclaimed storyteller and novelist, is known for his nationally recognised story Baanmooth and his recent popular novel ‘Debkoo – A Love Story’. His works have been translated into multiple Indian languages and are subjects of research in several universities.
The grand felicitation ceremony held in Shimla honoured a total of 16 distinguished individuals from diverse fields, including literature, journalism, theatre, music, fine arts and social service.
Alongside Dr Ganga Ram Raji and Murari Sharma, the other two recipients of the Sirmaur Gaurav Award were Dr Ajay Pathak, a writer and physician from Una, and Dr Himendra Bali, a renowned historian and author from Kumarsain in Shimla.
The event was graced by Padma Shri Vidyanand Saraik as the chief guest while renowned author Dr Ajay Pathak presided over the function. Among the distinguished guests were Dr Himendra Bali, social thinker Rakesh Thapa, celebrated lyricist Daya Bhardwaj and prominent author Ranjodh Singh. A state-level Kavi Sammelan, chaired by noted poetess Shabnam Sharma, added poetic fervour to the cultural proceedings.
Organised in two sessions, the event began with the Kavi Sammelan, attracting poets and writers from across Himachal. The second session featured the award distribution and a vibrant cultural programme.
Dr Shrikant Akela, Director of Shankhnaad, emphasised the organisation’s long-standing commitment to honouring excellence in creative and social fields over the past 10 to 15 years.
Other awardees included:
• Jawahar Kaul, noted theatre personality from Shimla
• Dr DR Bhardwaj, lyricist and folk culture promoter from Sirmaur
• Renu Goswami, senior author from Paonta Sahib
• Meenakshi Verma, litterateur and social worker from Nahan
• Sunita Jaswal, author from Shimla
• Neelam Surya, senior journalist and writer from Panchkula
• Dr Rajendra Tomar, musician and singer from Sangrah
• Santosh Thakur, folk culture promoter from Haripurdhar
• Narendra Chinta, lyricist and cultural conservator from Haripurdhar
• Monika Sharma, folk singer and songwriter from Shillai
• Wasik Sheikh, modern art painter from Nahan
• Shubham Sharma, young folk singer and composer from Giripar, Shillai
The Sirmaur Gaurav Award continues to serve as a prestigious platform to recognise and celebrate the cultural, literary, and artistic richness of Himachal Pradesh.
Munish Sood
