The Late Amar Nembang Memorial Award, established in memory of former Phalgunanda Rural Municipality chair and writer Amar Nembang, will be presented this year to three individuals, including Kantipur Daily journalist Deepak Sapkota.

The award selection committee on Sunday decided to honour Sapkota, poet Devendra Sakten Rai and writer Malisa Yakthungba, said Munindra Nembang, president of the Amar Nembang Memorial Foundation. This year marks the seventh edition of the award.

Each award carries a cash prize of Rs50,000 and a citation.

Sapkota, who also coordinates the daily’s Saturday supplement ‘Koseli’, has edited essay collections ‘Nirbandh Montaj ‘and ‘Lokeshan’, and previously served as editor of the literary monthly ‘Pandulipi’. Sakten Rai and Yakthungba are both active in poetry and writing.

Earlier recipients include Krishna Dharabasi, Swapnil Smriti, Shrawan Mukarung, Prem Ojha, Sharada Subba, Bina Thing, Govindraj Bhattarai, Bir Nembang, Devi Chhetri Dulal, Munaraj Sherma, Bimala Tumkhewa and Giriraj Baskota.

The award is presented annually on the occasion of Amar Nembang’s memorial day, observed on February 9 this year.