Madan Puraskar (known in English as Madan Award or Madan Prize) is the most prestigious literary award in Nepal. Queen Jagadamba established the Award on 22 September 1955, in memory of General Madan Samser Rana. Contrary to some posts that circulate on social media, Madan Puraskar is not named after Nepali communist leader Madan Bhandari.
The award is conferred by Madan Puraskar Guthi annually to an outstanding book in the Nepali language. Though the award prize was NRS 1,00,000 (approx. US $ 1000) for many years, it was doubled in 2005 as it was the Golden Jubilee year. At the time of establishment the prize amount was NRS 4000 (approx US$ 40).
Madan Puraskar Guthi did not annouce winners of the Award in 1974 and 1977, without these two exceptions, the prize has been presented every year.
Winners of Madan Puraskar award instantly come into media spotlight since the award is very prestigious and press coverage is very extensive and nationwide.
Despite its popularity, the award itself and the conferring institution have been subjected to various criticisms. Critics claim that the award is politically influenced and biased and does not always pay attention to literary quality while deciding the winner’s name. They say that the award has sometimes been given to people who confirm to the political standpoints of the granting institutions and to people people who can create instant publicity.
See also:Â
- List of Madan Puraskar WinnersÂ
- Jagadamba Shree Purasakar
