ILAM: The Nepal Sherpa Association has honoured acclaimed Nepali-American writer Passang Nuru Sherpa, recognising his rising international literary stature and his contribution to bringing Sherpa and Nepali narratives to a global readership.

The Federal Executive Committee of the Association presented an honour certificate during a special ceremony in Ilam. Sherpa, who was born in Solukhumbu and is currently based in the United States, was represented at the event by his elder sister Lakpa Phuti Sherpa, regarded as Nepal’s first Sherpa writer.

Sherpa recently won the Best Book Award 2025 for his memoir Behind the Mask: A Pandemic Memoir at the 22nd edition of the American Book Fest Awards—one of the largest international book award platforms in the United States. The book was selected from among mainstream, independent and self-published works.

Adding to its international recognition, Behind the Mask has also received a highly acclaimed review from Kirkus Reviews, a globally respected authority in professional book criticism. The review praised the memoir for its intimate storytelling, emotional depth and authentic portrayal of immigrant resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Set in Jackson Heights, New York—one of the areas hardest hit by the pandemic—the memoir is based on Sherpa’s personal diary entries. Drawing from his experiences as a barber and salon owner, the book documents lockdown life, community conversations, shortages of essential supplies and grassroots relief efforts within the Nepali diaspora. The English edition was translated from Nepali by Mahesh Paudyal and Peter Gill.

While presenting the honour, Lakpa Thinley Sherpa, President of the Association’s Federal Executive Committee, said the author’s work has elevated the pride of the Sherpa community and contributed to the growing international visibility of Nepali literature. He also referred to Sherpa’s earlier memoir-based work Corona Katha, which depicts American life and Nepali social realities in the aftermath of the pandemic and has received international recognition.

According to Lakpa G. Sherpa, General Secretary of the Nepal Sherpa Association, the organisation expressed appreciation for Sherpa’s continued creativity, his strong connection to Nepali society and the Sherpa community, and his commitment to tolerance and social reflection.

Beyond literature, Sherpa is also known for his community service during the pandemic, providing food, medicines and essential supplies to vulnerable residents in Jackson Heights—experiences that form a central part of his writing.

Behind the Mask: A Pandemic Memoir, released in June 2025, is available through major international book distributors, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.