Swarnim Lamsal, TGT
Kathmandu, September 28
Senior poet and critic Modanath Prashrit has announced the rejection of Padmashree Honor 2020, proposed to him by the Khemlal-Harikala Foundation recently. In a press release issued on Monday, poet Prashrit says, “I thank the Foundation for nominating me for the honor. But soon after the announcement was made, some individuals and groups have come up to sabotage my prestige through unwarranted claims. In such a context, I have decided to reject the Honor.”
It may be noted that Sharada Bhushal Jha, in her autobiography Dharatal had accused Mr. Prashit to have raped and molested her repeatedly for seven months several years ago.
Talking to The Gorkha Times’ Chief Editor Mahesh Paudyal, Mr. Prashrit, however denied having singed any press release of such intention. He said, some member of his family could have expressed such opinion. He, however, said, “I want the entire business to be deferred for some time to be taken up at a convenient time later.”
The controversy, at any rate, has invited a lot of general concern.
Interestingly, novelist Sanjeev Uprety, nominee for Padmashree Award had expressed his unwillingness to share the stage with Mr. Prashrit and receive the award. Sources say, he has written to the Foundation that manages the award to review it decision. So far, no rejoinder has been issued by the Foundation.
It must be noted that Padmashree Award is given to a popular book published in the current year, while Padmashree Honor is given to a senior writer in recognition of her or his overall contribution to art and literature.