Lions Club of Kathmandu Corporate, Nepal (MD325-D), has awarded 11 trailblazers under different categories on August 3 amidst a ceremony organised in Lalitpur.
These awards recognise and celebrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts among businesses, promote community engagement, inspire the adoption of best practices, and strengthen partnerships between the corporate sector and local communities. “By honouring companies that actively contribute to societal development, the awards enhance the visibility of Lions Club and encourage future business leaders to prioritise social impact. Ultimately, they celebrate achievements in CSR, motivating organisations to strive for excellence in their community service initiatives,” according to the organisers.
“Lions Clubs in Nepal are dedicated to uplifting society through various initiatives in education, healthcare and disaster relief. They act as vital partners in development, collaborating with local and international stakeholders to enhance the quality of life for all Nepali citizens. Their commitment extends to emergency relief during crises, significant contributions to healthcare infrastructure like the TU Lions Blood Bank, and a focus on philanthropy through the Lions Clubs International Foundation.”
The awards under 11 different categories were handed over to distinguished personalities. Rinpoche Shyalpa Tenzin was honoured with the Social Spiritual Award. He is a prominent Buddhist master and author, who emphasises the necessity of inner peace in the face of life’s uncertainties, shaped by his own experiences during the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015.
Prateek Pradhan, Editor-in-Chief of Baahrakhari Media, was awarded with the Social Journalism Award. Pradhan is a media entrepreneur and journalist from Nepal, and was also Editor of Nagarik Daily, a leading newspaper in the country. With a commitment to journalistic integrity and public service, he has emerged as a pivotal figure in Nepali journalism, shaping public discourse through impactful reporting.
Actor Rajesh Hamal was conferred with the Social Celebrity Award in recognition of his commitment to social responsibility as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Building Back Right initiative following the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal, aiming to support the reconstruction efforts for the affected communities.
Similarly, Chandra Ghimire, Former Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies bagged the Social Bureaucratic Award for the critical role he played in restoring Nepal’s supply system post-2015 earthquake as the Consul General in Kolkata.
In the programme, Ramesh Corporation was felicitated with Social Corporate House Award for significant emphasis on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and contributing to Nepal’s economy through local manufacturing initiatives and actively supporting community development. As a part of their CSR, Ramesh Corporation has been helping in the diagnosis and treatment of children suffering from cancer.
Moreover, Former President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce Rajendra Malla received the Social Corporate Leader. Malla was awarded for his social contributions, including for his board memberships at Shree Bhagyodaya Campus and Pashupati Service Society, reflecting his dedication to community service along with his profound leadership in different organisations and contributing to the national economy by operating various businesses.
In addition, Management Association of Nepal President, Mohan Ojha, was felicitated with the Social Management Award for his outstanding role in HR development and management as well as employment generation in Nepal. His contribution in drafting key labour legislations was also acknowledged during the award conferring ceremony.
Besides, Anil Kedia was honoured with the Social Academic Award in recognition of his commitment to community development and youth empowerment. Kedia supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and employability of Nepali students. His leadership and contributions have significantly impacted the educational landscape in Nepal, earning respect as a key player in the country’s socio-economic development journey.
Further, Surya Nepal was conferred the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for demonstrating a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility along with the company’s contribution in economic development and embracing the values of shared prosperity. Ravi KC, Vice President (Corporate) of Surya Nepal, received the award on behalf of the company.
Likewise, Binod Das bagged the Sports Management Award for his striking performance as a player and coach. A former captain of the Nepal national cricket team, Das reportedly made his international debut in 2000 and played a pivotal role in elevating the status of cricket in Nepal. He led the Nepal Under-19 team in the 2000 Under-19 World Cup and was instrumental in the team’s success in various international tournaments, including the ACC Premier League.
Last but not the least, Erika Gurung was felicitated with the Social Player Award. Her dedication and perseverance not only highlight her individual skill but have also played a crucial role in bringing recognition to Nepal on the global sports stage. An inspiration for aspiring athletes, Gurung recently won a silver medal in the women’s 68 kg kumite event at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, marking a historic milestone for Nepal in karate.
Lions Clubs International was started in 1971 when the first club was established in Biratnagar by former Prime Minister Lion Matrika Prasad Koirala. This movement has flourished, with over 2,000 clubs now operating across the nation, and is organised into 15 distinct districts as of 2020.
Reportedly, Lions Clubs are driven by the mission ‘We Serve’, and they embody humanitarian values, striving to empower individuals in need and create a more inclusive and prosperous Nepal.
