Mandi (Munish Sood)
A grand tribute ceremony will be held on December 25 to commemorate the legacy of late Hemkant Katyayan, a prominent journalist, educationist, and connoisseur of arts. The event is being organized by the Hemkant Katyayan Memorial Trust, established in his memory. Chairperson Nirmala Katyayan and member Siddharth Katyayan announced the details while addressing the media.
The ceremony will mark the birth anniversary of Hemkant Katyayan and celebrate his multifaceted contributions to journalism, literature, arts, and education. During the event, the trust will honor three eminent personalities who have excelled in journalism, literature, and fine arts.
Honorees of the Ceremony
1. Hemkant Katyayan Inspiration Award
This award will be conferred upon Ramesh Banta, an 82-year-old veteran journalist from Jogindernagar, who has been a pillar of Himachal Pradesh’s media landscape for nearly 50 years. Recognized as one of the state’s first veteran journalists, Banta has been an accredited journalist since 1965.
2. Hemkant Katyayan Literary Service Award
Renowned poet and critic Dr. Vijay Vishal will receive this award for his significant contributions to Hindi literature. Dr. Vishal’s works have been widely published in prestigious literary journals, and he has made a mark in poetry, storytelling, and criticism. His acclaimed publications include Saanpradayik Sadbhav aur Hindi Upanyas, Satta Sahitya aur Samaj, and Chintiyan Shor Nahi Karti.
3. Hemkant Katyayan Excellence in Art Award
This posthumous award will honor Surajmani, a legendary Shehnai player known as the “Bismillah Khan of Himachal.” Surajmani enriched Himachali music with his Shehnai, performing over 4,000 regional songs and representing the state’s culture on international platforms, including the USA and Oman. His melodies were also featured on Doordarshan, All India Radio, and in films.
A Legacy of Excellence
The idea to institute these awards emerged during a memorial gathering held on May 19, marking Hemkant Katyayan’s first death anniversary. Senior journalist Birbal Sharma revealed that the late Katyayan’s family decided to honor his memory by establishing a trust to recognize contributions across various fields.
With support from the Press Club Mandi and SVM School Management, the trust has organized this year’s ceremony to celebrate individuals whose work resonates with Hemkant Katyayan’s vision of excellence in journalism, literature, and the arts.
The event will take place at SVM school Mandi and is expected to draw prominent figures from various fields.
