Kathmandu, February 1: On the occasion of the second memorial day of senior painter, ornithologist, and poet Hem Paudyal, the Tribhuvan University Institute of Science and Technology’s Natural History Museum, Swayambhu, organized a special program in collaboration with Kapan Baneshwor National Literary Weekly.
The event, titled the Tribhuvan University Natural History Museum Hem–Ganga Bird Research and Conservation Honor Award Presentation and Bird Painting Handover Ceremony, was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Ishan Gautam, Chief of the Natural History Museum. Senior artist and former Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, K.K. Karmacharya, served as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Dr. Shankar Prasad Khanal, Dean of the Institute of Science and Technology, attended as the Special Guest.
During the ceremony, the Hem–Ganga Bird Research and Conservation Honor Award was presented to senior bird and wildlife expert Dr. Hem Sagar Baral. Chairperson Dr. Gautam honored him with a garland, Special Guest Prof. Dr. Khanal presented a ceremonial shawl, and Chief Guest K.K. Karmacharya conferred the certificate of honor.
On the same occasion, twenty valuable oil paintings of birds created by Hem Paudyal were handed over to the Natural History Museum by his wife, senior literary figure Ganga Karmacharya Paudyal. The paintings were formally received by Museum Chief Dr. Gautam. In recognition of her contribution, the museum presented her with a letter of appreciation.
The program was conducted by Bimala Shakya, Assistant Professor of Botany at the Natural History Museum. Speakers including Dr. Gautam, K.K. Karmacharya, Prof. Dr. Khanal, Dr. Baral, Ganga Karmacharya Paudyal, and senior literary figure Prof. Dr. Ram Prasad Gyawali highlighted Hem Paudyal’s personality, artistic excellence, and contributions to literature and nature conservation.
The welcome address was delivered by essayist Nibandha Aryal, publisher and editor of Kapan Baneshwor National Literary Weekly. The program also featured poetry recitations by Anita Dhakal and Renuka Bhattarai, who presented selected poems by Hem Paudyal.
To ensure the continuity of the award, Ganga Karmacharya Paudyal, on behalf of Hem Paudyal’s family, has established an endowment fund of Rs. 500,000 at the Tribhuvan University Natural History Museum. The fund will support future recognition of individuals contributing to bird research and conservation.
