Sharif wins underwater photography award in Kathmandu
Bangladeshi underwater photographer Sharif Sarwar has been honoured with the Ocean and Underwater Photography Excellence Award at the seventh Asian Professional Achievement Award 2026 in Kathmandu.
Organised by Season Media, the award ceremony brought together distinguished professionals from Nepal and other Asian countries for their contributions to business, industry, tourism, journalism, arts, education, social service and other fields.
Former President of Nepal Dr Ram Baran Yadav attended the ceremony as the chief guest. President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal, Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman, Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhan Raj Acharya
and prominent business leaders, journalists, artists, social workers and educationists were also present.
Sarwar was among the professionals recognised in the international category of the awards, which honoured individuals from countries including Japan, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh and China.
The award recognised his contribution to ocean and underwater photography, highlighting the specialised field of photography that documents marine life and underwater environments.
Other Bangladeshi recipients included business leader Alhaj Md Sohag, who received the Outstanding Business Leadership and Social Responsibility Award, and chief photojournalist Indrajit Kumer Ghosh, who was honoured with the Excellence in Photojournalism Award.
The international category also recognised Japan-based senior freelance photojournalist Noboru Takaoka with the Legendary Excellence in Photojournalism Award and India’s senior photojournalist Purushottam Diwakar with the Outstanding International Photojournalism Award.
Cheong Kwee Seng of Malaysia, president of the International Drone Aviation Federation, received the International Drone Aviation Leadership Award.
Speaking at the ceremony, Season Media Chairman Pradip Raj Onta said the awards were not merely about trophies and certificates but recognised the hard work, struggles, achievements and social contributions of people working in different sectors.
He said the initiative aimed to bring talented professionals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, media personalities and creative professionals from Nepal and other Asian countries together on a common platform to promote international relations, cooperation and professional exchange.
Chief guest Dr Ram Baran Yadav said recognising people for their contributions in different fields created positive energy in society and inspired the younger generation. He urged the award recipients to continue expanding their contributions for the benefit of society and the nation.
Season Media organised the seventh edition of the awards as part of its 18th year of operation. The awardees received trophies and certificates from the chief guest and other distinguished guests.
