Scribes, artistes honoured at Hemkant Katyayan Memorial Award ceremony

In a ceremony held here on Wednesday at the Saraswati Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School auditorium, three individuals were honoured with Hemkant Katyayan Memorial Awards.

The event, organised by the trust formed in memory of veteran journalist Hemkant Katyayan, was attended by prominent figures including chief guest Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma, Mandi Mayor Virender Bhatt and Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan.

The Hemkant Katyayan Journalism Award was presented to Ramesh Banta from Joginder Nagar, the Literary Service Award was given to Dr Vijay Vishal, and the Posthumous Art Service Award was conferred upon renowned Shehnai player Surajmani, which was received by his wife, Meena Devi.

In his address, Sharma praised Mandi’s rich contributions to journalism, literature and culture, referring to it as a city where intellectuals, from clerks to district commissioners, shape regional discourse.

He lauded the initiative of the trust in honouring outstanding individuals, continuing Hemkant Katyayan’s legacy.

The ceremony included the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Sharma, followed by the dignitaries paying a floral tribute to late Hemkant Katyayan.

The event also featured the release of Adaranjali, a memorial booklet.

Various performances such as Saraswati Vandana, group songs, and folk dances presented by students and artistes were much-loved by the audience. Trust president Nirmala Katyayan said the annual event would grow in scale in future.

Writer Murari Sharma highlighted Hemkant Katyayan’s remarkable life, and a memorial tribute was delivered by his son Siddharth Katyayan.

Advocate Akash Sharma and other attendees also shared their thoughts. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by trust’s treasurer Birbal Sharma.