Gangtok, May 26: The Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim (Lepcha) Memorial Trust has announced that journalist and writer Prabin Khaling from Gangtok will be conferred with the 28th Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim Smriti Puraskar 2025. The announcement followed a Trust meeting held on May 19, 2025.

Khaling was selected for his essay collection Chiya Guff (2023), which explores the social and cultural aspects of Himalayan communities. The selection was made by a two-tier committee constituted by the Trust.

The award, which carries a cash prize of ₹50,000, a Tamra Patra, and a certificate, will be presented on July 4, 2025, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dr. Shova Kanti Thegim.

Along with Khaling, the Trust will also honour journalist Subash Deepak, theatre artist Rupa Tamang, and visual artists Bikram Gautam and Deepa Rai for their contributions to literature, art, and culture.

Born on December 6, 1986, in Kopibari, Upper Syari, Gangtok, Khaling holds postgraduate degrees in Political Science and Nepali Literature. He began writing during his school years and is known for addressing themes such as identity, marginalisation, and rural life. He is also the founder of Chiya Kavita, a literary forum launched in 2014 to promote Nepali poetry in Sikkim.

Selected Works:

Jharii – Anthology of love poems

Chiya Guff – Essay collection (2023)

Awards and Honours:

Excellence Journalist Award, Kalimpong (2010)

Ram Patro Memorial Award, Gangtok (2011)

Lekhraj Literary Award, Nepal (2017)

Chief Minister’s Award for Reporting on Climate Change (2023)

Sahitya Samman Award, Pakyong (2023)

Hill Times Award, Darjeeling (2024)

The Trust extended congratulations to all the awardees for their efforts in preserving and promoting the region’s literary and cultural legacy.