Prabin Khaling receives Tarapati Upadhyay National Essay Award for ‘Chiya Guff’
Author Prabin Khaling was honoured with the 1st Tarapati Upadhyay Rastrya Nibhanda Puraskar in Assam for his essay collection ‘Chiya Guff’, with writers from S.
Author Prabin Khaling has been honoured with the 1st Tarapati Upadhyay Rastrya Nibhanda Puraskar 2026 for his essay collection ‘Chiya Guff’. The award was conferred by Indreni Prakashan, Assam, during an award presentation ceremony held at Barsola in Assam on Sunday.
The event was attended by a large number of writers and literary figures from different districts of Assam. The chief guest was educationist and President’s Medal awardee litterateur Vidyapati Upadhyay, while participants included representatives from Sikkim such as Bhim Rawat, General Secretary of the Nepali Sahitya Parishad Sikkim, author T. B. Chandra Subba, journalist Ambar Gurung, and social worker Dr. Gagan Ruchal.
A national recognition for essay writing
In his address, Khaling described the honour as a matter of pride for both himself and Sikkim. He said he was the first essayist to receive a national award established in memory of Tarapati Upadhyay, known as a language activist, educationist, and litterateur. Khaling also thanked readers, saying the book found love and support through its readership.
He used the occasion to highlight the role of coordination among states where Nepali-language books are read and studied. Khaling also called for stronger attention to improving literary standards, linking the success of his work to the broader quality of writing.
Events included book releases and literary discussions
The programme also included the release of several books published by Indreni Prakashan, followed by a discussion on essay writing. Resource persons spoke on environmental literature, and poetry recitations were part of the cultural programme.
Earlier, senior litterateur Rudra Baral was felicitated by the Indreni family for receiving the Bhai Chandra Pradhan Smriti Puraskar in Kalimpong. Dulumani Devi, daughter-in-law of Tarapati Upadhyay and a poet, expressed gratitude for the initiative to dedicate a national award to the essay genre from this year onwards, and said she would support the effort.
