Himalayan Award Ceremony Held at UK’s House of Lords

London, 4th February 2025- The prestigious Himalayan Award Ceremony took place on 4th February at the UK’s House of Lords in Westminster, recognising seven outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions to culture, tourism, innovation, and social work. The event was organised by the Centre for Nepalese Culture and Nepal Centre UK, aiming to honour those who have demonstrated a profound passion for promoting Nepalese culture globally.

Awardees Recognised for Their Contributions

The 2025 Himalayan Award recipients include Kishor Kayastha from Nepal, Rubina Sharma from Belgium, Devi Garbuja from Portugal, Dr Vineeta Kapoor from India, Rajesh Regmi from the UK, Sneha Shrestha from the UK, and Sumant Batra from India. These individuals were selected for their continued dedication to advancing cultural exchange and their commitment to preserving and promoting Nepalese heritage.

The ceremony was graced by Baroness Verma, a member of the House of Lords, who presented the awards and shared her personal experiences from a recent visit to Nepal. She spoke about the country’s rich cultural landscape and discussed potential ways to improve its socio-economic development.

Awardees Share Their Experiences

Among the awardees, Sumant Batra, a lawyer and advocate from Delhi, highlighted his efforts to preserve India’s cinematic history and promote literature through cultural festivals. Meanwhile, Sneha Shrestha, the first female barrister from the Nepalese community in the UK, shared her admiration for Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultural heritage.

The ceremony also featured remarks from several distinguished guests, including Mayor Councillor Jit Ranabhat of Greenwich, Lieutenant Colonel Tol Khamcha, Celestial Radio presenter and self-help leader Parveen Smith, and Rajesh Regmi. These individuals spoke about their professional achievements as well as their deep commitment to social causes and cultural preservation.

The founder and president of Nepal Centre International Mr Nirmal Kumar Thapa emphasised the significance of the Himalayan Awards, noting that the event not only recognises exceptional individuals but also encourages others to continue their work in promoting Nepalese culture abroad. 

The Centre is also planning another cultural event in London on 6th February at Lancaster Gate, London.