On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Kantipur Publications, Kantipur Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Kantipur Media Group (KMG), is hosting Kantipur Icon. Established in 2014, the award honors individuals (living or deceased), institutions or groups that have made a positive contribution to Nepali Society. From this year, the award has been divided into four categories: Arts and Literature, Business and Economy, Science and Technology and Socio-political sector. The awards will honour people, groups or institutions that have made significant contribution in these sector.
To be presented at a grand ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary, the award will recognize people or organizations that are making a difference and contributing to our country as it moves forward in achieving peace and prosperity. The award winner will receive a gold medallion worth 5 lakh rupees and feted with an appreciation letter.
The award winner should be an inspirational, unsung hero (or institution), who deserves recognition for his/her tireless work and service to the sector. We will seek nominations from public for the four award categories. We will also reach out to experts for nominations. An independent five-member jury for each category comprising a panel of eminent and respected professionals in their own field along with two members from KMG will select the winners. The jury will hold a series of meetings to discuss the nominees for awards. After deliberations, jury members would take the final call on Kantipur Icon on all four categories.
The award winners’ contributions will be highlighted through different outlets of KMG. The winners will be invited to speak to a privileged audience of leading intellectuals, policy makers, senior diplomats, eminent business people and professionals in Nepal and beyond. We are working to create an event which fosters dialogue, deepens understanding among people and prompts conversations long after its closing.
How it started
The first-ever Kantipur Icon 2071 was awarded to Nepal’s national cricket team for the international acclaim, for demonstrating collective grit and perseverance against material adversity, and for instilling hope among millions of Nepalis.
The national team made a steady progress over a decade culminating in its qualification for the T20 World Cup, the World Cup pre-qualifying stage, and for the World Cricket League Championship. Nepal’s cricket players excelled both on individual level as well as in team spirit. The cricketers gave their best performance despite working with modest means and limited resources.The cricket team reflected the country’s geographic, class and ethnic diversity. Many players came from humble backgrounds and less privileged corners of the country, not always associated with achievement in national sports. The award consisted of a cash prize of 20 lakh rupees and a citation.
The jury for the first Kantipur Icon included Prof Lok Raj Baral, Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Mohna Ansari, Akhilesh Upadhyay, Sudheer Sharma and Kailash Sirohiya. The jury unanimously recognised that the cricket team was worthy of the award on account of its “positive contribution to the Nepali nation and national life.” The award was presented on February 18, 2015 on the eve of the 22nd anniversary of Kantipur Publications.