Kathmandu. Bhairavi Bhugol of Nuwakot won the first prize in the National Poetry Festival organized by Nepal Academy. Her Poem ‘Nepalko Geet’ (Song of Nepal) was chosen as the best poem in the competition.

Prajjwal Adhikari of Lamjung received the second prize for his poem ‘Sankalpa’ (Determination). ‘Aamako Aadesh’ (Order of the Mother) by Ganesh Prasad Khatiwada of Solukhumbu, ‘Aama Ek Vishwavidyalaya’ (Mother, a University) by Devaki Abhilashi of Dolakha and ‘Samriddha Nepalko Sapana’ (Dream of a Prosperous Nepal) by Rejina Aapgai of Tehrathum became  third in the competition.

The first, second and third prizes carry cash amount of Rs 50,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively. Out of the 502 poems submitted for the competition, the best 30 were chosen for the final round, communication coordinator and Member of Nepal Academy Shashi Lumumbu informed. Dr Hem nath Poudel, Sneh Sayami and Prabha Bhattarai judged the poems in the competition.

The poetry festival, which took place on Dec 14, Monday, was inaugurated by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai. Along with Minister Bhattarai, Chancellor Ganga Prasad Upreti, Vice-Chancellor Dr Jagman Gurung and Member Secretary Jagat Prasad Upadhyaya of Nepal Academy shared their thoughts in the program.