Kathmandu: Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, famously known as the ‘Border Man of Nepal,’ has been recognized by a university in the United Kingdom (UK) for his outstanding contributions to border research.
The International Border Research Unit (IBRU) at Durham University’s Center for Borders Research presented Shrestha with the Raymond Milefsky Award, now in its seventh year. The award acknowledges individuals or organizations that have significantly advanced boundary-making or cross-border cooperation.
Shrestha, who served as the Director General of Nepal’s Survey Department for five years, began a second career in 1992 as the self-styled ‘Border Man of Nepal.’ Leveraging his expertise in surveying, he expanded his work to include legal aspects of border management and boundary recovery.
His efforts have established him as a leading expert in boundary delimitation, advising governments on treaty maps and their implications for resolving contemporary disputes. He has also authored 14 books on border-related topics.
The award, funded by a bequest from the estate of Raymond Milefsky—a renowned US Department of State borders expert—includes a cash prize of £745 (approximately Rs 125,000).
Nominations for the 2025 Milefsky Award will open in January 2025.