Sikkim’s Sandhya Singzango (Subba) honored with Pratibha Puraskar 2025 in Nepal

Sandhya Singzango (Subba), a writer and researcher from Assam Lingzey, Pakyong, Sikkim, has been awarded the prestigious Pratibha Puraskar 2025 by the Nepali Pratibha Pratisthan UK under the leadership of Shri Tanka Wanem (UK). The award, which includes a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, was presented by eminent writer Shri Bairagi Kainla (Tilbikram Nembang). Sandhya is the first overseas recipient of this esteemed honor.

Sandhya has made significant contributions to Limbu literature and academia. Her notable works include Limbu Shamans: A Directory of Limbu Shamans in Sikkim (2022) and Yakthung Civilization (2023), a collection of academic articles. She has also translated important Mundhum volumes, such as Chaiit Mundhum: The Story of Creation and Mujingna Kheyongna Mundhum (2022), originally compiled by Bairagi Kainla, and authored Yakthung Mundhumlore (2024), a collection of twenty stories exploring Limbu cultural values.

Her dedication to academic excellence earned her the Bishnu Dutt-Saraswati Angbuhang Anusandhanvriti grant from the Limbu Study Centre, Kathmandu, in 2024. She also placed third at the 32nd National Poetry Festival organized by the Bimal Gurung Memorial Library in Dharan, Nepal.

Beyond literature, Sandhya is dedicated to preserving Limbu culture, serving as General Secretary of Sukhim Pungwa Yuma Samyo Society and Sukhim Yakthung Chasok Tongnam Lokchum. Currently, she is working on further research into Yakthung Civilization and translating more Mundhum volumes into English.