Brahmin

Darjeeling, April 5: In a clear departure from its tradition, the hill community has decided to felicitate its ?stars? to commemorate the Nepali New Year falling on April 14.

The All Gorkha Students? Union (AGSU), which will celebrate the day as Gorkha Ekta Diwas, has made a list containing a galaxy of stars from the Nepali music, literary and sports world, who will be honoured.

?We want the youngsters to be inspired by these personalities who have made a name for themselves braving all odds,? said Roshan Giri, president, AGSU.

Those to be feted at the ceremony include husband-wife duo of Shilabhadur Moktan and Kunti Moktan, who have got recognition in the Nepali music world. Kunti, has received more than a dozen awards in Nepal like the Rastriya Gaurav Yuwa Puraskar and Birendra Aishwaria Sewa Padak. However, they have been ?forgotten? in the hills.

While Kunti had a humble upbringing in Ringtang tea estate, Shilbhadur was born in an idyllic hamlet of Nalichakar near Sonada. The very fact that these two ?folk artistes? have made it to the top and are riding the success crest speaks of their steely determination and one-minded dedication.

During the ceremony, Jyoti Brahmin, Miss India Earth 2004, will also be felicitated. Jyoti, who hails from the hills, has made waves in the glamour world. C.K. Shrestha, a well-known literary figure, who has grabbed attention by redefining theatre in Nepal, will be honoured.

Ganesh Bahadur (Ganu) Giri, who has been felicitated by the International Body Building Federation, and promising footballer from Kurseong, Chrispin Chhetri, who has already represented the youth football team at international events, will be the other star attractions.