Nepal’s Narendra Shrestha Wins World Press Photo Award

Nepal’s Narendra Shrestha has won one of the most prestigious honours in photojournalism, the World Press Photo Award, marking a historic achievement for the country.

In the 71st edition of the competition, which began in 1955 in the Netherlands, Shrestha won in the Single category for the West, Central and South Asia region.

His winning photograph captured Nepal’s main administrative building, Singha Durbar, engulfed in flames following an arson incident during a Gen Z protest on September 24 last year. The image was selected as the top entry in its category for the region.

This year’s competition drew entries from 3,747 photographers across 141 countries, with a total of 57,376 images submitted. Shrestha’s work was chosen from among these entries.

He described the award as the fulfilment of a long held dream over his 25 year career. Reflecting on his early days, he said he began his journey at Kantipur Publications, at a time when photographers would send their work by post.

“Around 2000, a group of us used to send photos by mail. Back then, receiving the annual World Press Photo book for participation felt like a big achievement in itself,” he said.

Images from major events in Nepal, including the 2006 people’s movement and the 2015 earthquake, have previously been recognised at the World Press Photo Awards. However, those winning photographs were mostly taken by foreign photographers.

“When incidents happen, it is usually local photographers like us who reach first. But when foreign photographers won awards, there was always a sense of frustration,” Shrestha said. “Today, a Nepali winning this award is a milestone for the entire field of photojournalism in Nepal.”

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in the Netherlands on May 28. Winners receive a cash prize of 1,000 euros along with international recognition. For many photojournalists around the world, receiving this award is considered one of the highest honours in the profession.