On the occasion of the 98th National Photojournalism Day, the National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ) Nepal organized the “Fifth National Photojournalism Awards 2025” in Kathmandu. Photojournalist Dipendra Dhungana was honored with the “Nepal Telecom Daily Life Photojournalism Award” for his outstanding work capturing the essence of everyday life in Nepal. Dhungana is also a full-time photojournalist for Naya Patrika National Daily and a regular contributor to Khasokhas and NepYork.
The award ceremony, graced by Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire, recognized 15 exceptional photojournalists across eight categories and seven provinces for their remarkable contributions to visual storytelling. The event highlighted the diversity and creativity of Nepal’s photojournalism community.
In addition to Dhungana’s win, several other photojournalists were celebrated for their work in various outlets. Kavita Thapa (Gorkhapatra Daily) received the “Panchakanya Group Women Photojournalism Award” for her impactful portrayal of women’s stories. Manoj Ratna Shahi (Gorkhapatra Online) was awarded the “Adventure Outdoor Tourism and Culture Photojournalism Award” for his stunning visuals of Nepal’s tourism and cultural heritage.
Skanda Gautam (The Himalayan Times) won the “Suryajyoti Life Insurance Political Photojournalism Award” for his compelling coverage of political events. Udipta Singh Chhetri secured the “Dish Home Internet Sports Photojournalism Award” for his dynamic sports photography. Rajib Hengaju (Nepal Army) earned the “Agriculture Development Bank Independent Photojournalism Award” for his independent and thought-provoking work.
Abhishek Maharjan (Annapurna Post Dotcom) was honored with the “National Commercial Bank Entertainment Photojournalism Award” for his vibrant entertainment photography. Chandra Bahadur Ale (Online Khabar Dotcom) received the “Global IME Bank Economic Photojournalism Award” for his insightful economic reporting through images.
The ceremony also recognized outstanding photojournalists from each of Nepal’s seven provinces: Sujan Bajracharya (Rastriya Samachar Samiti, Sankhuwasabha) from Koshi Province, Ram Sarraf (Yatra Daily) from Madhesh Province, Nabin Paudel (Rastriya Samachar Samiti) from Bagmati Province, Prem Thapa (Parichaya Dotcom) from Gandaki Province, Madhav Prasad Aryal (Kantipur Daily) from Lumbini Province, Amrit Kumar Budhathoki (Himalaya Television) from Karnali Province, and Jagdish Prasad Bhatt (Sudurpaschim Television) from Sudurpaschim Province were recognized.
The event also paid tribute to veteran photojournalist Devendraman Singh, who was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long contribution to the field. Additionally, the late Chungba Sherpa, a lifetime member of NFPJ, was posthumously honored with a special recognition for his enduring legacy in photojournalism.
The awards were judged by a distinguished panel led by NFPJ Chairman Pradeep Raj Onta. The jury included senior photojournalist Shailendra Kharel, Nepal Tourism Board Senior Manager Surya Thapaliya, Suryajyoti Life Insurance Branding and Communication Head Meghendra Prakash Giri, Academic Council’s Head of Architecture and Creative Arts Sauraganga Darshandhari, and Desh Sanchar Associate Editor Manoj Dahal.
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Bhawani Prasad Panday
View More PostsBhawani Prasad Panday is a Nepali journalist based in Butwal, a thriving commercial center in Lumbini Province, Nepal. Renowned for his engaging coverage of local issues, Panday explores topics such as economic growth, social challenges, and cultural events. Currently, he writes for NepYork, addressing a broad spectrum of subjects ranging from community concerns to international developments.
