Rinzin Phunjok Lama: The first Rolex Awards winner from Nepal is happy with the perks of his passion

On July 2, 2021, Rinzin Phunjok Lama, a young researcher from Humla, became the first Nepali to receive the Rolex Awards and a cash prize of 200,000 Swiss francs (Rs 25.5 million). He was awarded for his research and efforts for the conservation of wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard. Rolex, a Swiss company, named Lama and four other recipients the guardians of the future as well.

For Lama, the award came as a ‘surprise’. He says, “I did not get the award for doing something unique, but just for trying to share my experience and ideas.”