Renowned border expert Buddhi Narayan Shrestha has been awarded the prestigious Raymond Milefsky Award 2024 by Durham University’s Centre for International Boundaries Research Unit (IBRU) in the United Kingdom. The award recognises his exceptional contributions to boundary-making and cross-border cooperation over the decades.

IBRU described Shrestha as a dedicated figure in South Asia’s border studies, stating that he leveraged his surveying expertise to interpret and communicate the complexities of mountainous and contested terrains. Shrestha's work includes advising governments on boundary delimitation, analysing historic treaty maps, and publishing 14 authoritative books on border management and recovery.

Shrestha’s career as “The Border Man of Nepal” began in 1992, following his tenure as the Director General of Nepal’s Survey Department. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in guarding and visualising Nepal’s territorial boundaries. According to IBRU Director Philip Steinberg, “Buddhi Narayan Shrestha has devoted himself to borders out of a desire to support his country and promote peace and stability. His contributions to boundary-making in Nepal and beyond are invaluable, and we are proud to honour him with this award.”

The Raymond Milefsky Award, established in memory of the late American borders expert, is granted annually to individuals or organisations advancing boundary-making. It includes a cash prize of £745.