Mahalaxmi Development Bank photography contest awards
17th February 2026, Kathmandu
The intersection of financial services and artistic storytelling has reached a new peak in Nepal with the successful conclusion of the Mahalaxmi Development Bank Bizchitra Photography Competition Edition 3. Held on Falgun 1, 2082, in conjunction with World Photography Day, the award ceremony celebrated the creative efforts of photographers who captured the resilient spirit of local small and medium enterprises across the country. By focusing the theme on Bizchitra, which roughly translates to business images, the bank has created a platform that elevates the visibility of local trade, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial activity. This initiative, which ran its submission phase from Bhadra 11 to Ashwin 31, 2082, highlights the bank’s ongoing commitment to fostering a deeper connection between the banking sector and the community-based economies it serves.
Mahalaxmi Development Bank photography
The competition drew hundreds of entries from professional and amateur photographers nationwide, each aiming to depict the vibrant life of local markets, traditional workshops, and modern startups. A specialized three-member jury, consisting of experts in the field of visual arts and photography, was tasked with evaluating the submissions based on criteria such as technical composition, creativity, and the ability to convey a positive narrative about local business impact. Out of the vast pool of participants, the jury shortlisted 15 outstanding photographs that best represented the theme of local entrepreneurship. These finalists were honored at a special ceremony held at the bank’s central office area in Durbarmarg, Kathmandu, where the winners were officially announced.
Suyog Kunwar emerged as the first place winner of the third edition, securing a cash prize of 25,000 rupees and a formal certificate of excellence. His winning entry was lauded for its exceptional ability to capture the human element of local trade with technical precision. The second prize was awarded to Paras Bajracharya, who received 20,000 rupees, followed by Devanand Pokhrel in third place with 15,000 rupees. In addition to the jury-selected awards, the competition featured a Public Choice Award, which was won by Sharman Raj Bhandari. This particular category allowed for broader community engagement, as thousands of individuals participated in the online voting process to support their favorite images. Sharman Raj Bhandari received 10,000 rupees for garnering the highest level of public support.
The strategic intent behind the Bizchitra series goes beyond mere artistic appreciation. Mahalaxmi Development Bank, a leading Class B financial institution in Nepal, recognizes that small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the national economy. However, these businesses often lack the marketing resources to tell their stories to a wider audience. By incentivizing photographers to focus their lenses on these local heroes, the bank is providing these enterprises with high-quality visual documentation that can be used to promote local products and services. Compared to the previous editions, the bank significantly increased the prize pool for Edition 3, reflecting its growing confidence in the impact of this creative corporate social responsibility initiative.
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Parallel to its community-focused art programs, Mahalaxmi Development Bank has been making significant strides in its digital transformation journey. The bank recently celebrated its Mahalaxmi Magh Mahotsav, a month-long campaign dedicated to promoting digital literacy and cashless transactions. By encouraging customers to adopt the Mahalaxmi Smart Sathi mobile app for their daily financial needs, the bank is aligning its community engagement with the national goal of digital financial inclusion. The integration of programs like the photography contest with digital banking initiatives ensures that the bank remains a relevant and modern partner for its 800,000 plus customers.
The success of the third edition also underscores the bank’s financial resilience and its role as a stable partner in the development bank sector. With a low cost of funds and a competitive base rate, Mahalaxmi is positioned as one of the most efficient lenders for the very businesses being celebrated in the Bizchitra competition. The bank’s leadership has noted that supporting local entrepreneurship through art helps build long-term brand loyalty and trust, which are essential in a competitive banking environment. By showcasing the beauty of local work, the bank reinforces its motto of being a strong bank through successful collaboration.
In conclusion, the Mahalaxmi Development Bank Bizchitra Photography Competition Edition 3 has successfully fulfilled its dual mission of promoting local talent and highlighting the importance of small businesses in Nepal. As the 15 selected photographs continue to be showcased in the bank’s digital galleries and promotional materials, they serve as a reminder of the diverse and hardworking nature of the Nepali people. For the winners like Suyog Kunwar and Sharman Raj Bhandari, the recognition provides a significant boost to their professional portfolios. For the bank, the event stands as a testament to its holistic approach to banking, where financial growth and social impact move hand in hand toward a more prosperous local economy.
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