Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has honoured scientists who have made valuable contributions in the field of science and technology from different areas marking the 42nd anniversary of NAST. Minister for Education, Science and Technology Vidya Bhattarai was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony held in the premises of NAST at Satdobato area of Lalitplur district on December 19,2024.
On the occasion Ramesh Bahadur Basnet, a senior official from Ministry of Forest and Environment, was honoured with a certificate of appreciation and a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 for his outstanding contributions in the areas of biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource mobilization.
Similarly, Dr. Devraj Joshi of Central Department of Micro-biology, TU has been honoured with Science and Technology Award carrying a purse of Rs. 10,000/- for making significant contributions in the areas of waste water management and public health awareness.
Likewise, Dr. Dipendra Parajuli of RECAST, TU has been honoured with Technology Award carrying a purse of Rs. 100,000/- for making outstanding contributions in energy storage and nano technology research.
Similarly, three scientists and technicians have been honoured with Science and Technology Youth Award for their valuable contributions in different areas of science and technology. Dr. Sunil Shrestha, Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa and Dr. Balkumari Oliya. have been awarded each with a purse of Rs. 75,000 under this category.
Likewise Saugat Bolake has been honoured with Science Journalist Award carrying a purse of Rs. 50,000 for his contributions in the areas of publishing news and articles in various fields of science and technology. On the occasion, various students and teachers working in different fields of science and technology have also been honoured.
Speaking on the occasion chief guest minister Bhattarai congratulated all the award recipient scientists for their valuable contributions in the areas of science and technology. She also called upon the scientists to come forward with firm commitment to build the country as well as fulfilling the dream of prosperous Nepal and happy Nepali.
The scientists involved in inventing new technology have played significant role in shaping our destiny, she said and underscored that the younger generation people should build their future based on science and technology. In his concluding remarks Vice Chancellor of NAST Subba said that NAST has been carrying out various research works and scientific inventions and providing various incentives to the scientists for the last 42 years despite limited resources and financial constraints.
Delivering his welcome speech Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal, secretary of the academy, shed light on various activities being carried out by NAST in the past four decades. He also provided guidelines for the future course of action of the NAST shedding light on past and present activities of NAST.
