Kathmandu, Feb 13: Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel has released the seventh edition of Unity Journal, a compilation of selected essays from the Open Strategic Essay Writing Competition–2082 organized by the Nepal Army.

The journal was published on the occasion of Mahashivaratri and the 263rd anniversary of the Nepal Army. The Unity Journal features outstanding essays addressing strategic issues of national, regional, and international significance, and has been published regularly to encourage strategic discourse within and beyond the military.

At a ceremony held at the Army Base, the first and second place winners of the Open Strategic Essay Writing Competition–2082, Assistant Lieutenant General Madhav Thapa and Geeta Thapaliya, along with third place winners Srijana Acharya and Assistant Lieutenant General Arjun Basnet, were awarded cash prizes and certificates of appreciation by Army Chief Sigdel.

On the same occasion, Chief of Army Staff Sigdel reviewed the publication and presented certificates of appreciation to the members of the editorial board and contributing authors, according to the Army Directorate of Public Relations and Information. Speaking at the event, Dhruv Karki, Professor Dr., highlighted the importance of publishing the journal and its role in promoting strategic thinking.

The Nepal Army expressed confidence that such competitions help cultivate a culture of research and analysis among the nation’s intellectual and academic community, encouraging deeper engagement with various dimensions of national security and strengthening patriotism.

The release ceremony was attended by senior officers, ranks and other personnel of the Nepali Army, representatives from other security forces, professors, subject experts, editorial board members, and writers.