Punjabi storytellers find new readers as the prize spotlights voices across borders
VANCOUVER:
The world’s leading award for Punjabi fiction announced its 12th annual winner on Wednesday, naming Balbir Parwana of Jalandhar, India, for his novel In the Time of Unrest. He received a $25,000 award.
Balbir Parwana, Dhahan Prize winner (2025)
Two finalists, Mudassar Bashir from Lahore and Bhagwant Rasulpuri from Jalandhar received $10,000 each. Bashir was recognised for his novel Precarious Shelter and Rasulpuri for his short story collection Delivery Man.
Mudassar Bashir and Bhagwant Rasulpuri, Dhahan Prize Finalists (2025)
An additional $6,000 was awarded for transliteration of the winning books into Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi, the two scripts used for Punjabi.
The Dhahan Prize, based in Richmond, British Columbia, is the largest international literary award for Punjabi fiction.
“This award has given my novel a new world of readers,” Parwana said. “When I heard my name announced, I was filled with joy and excitement. I’m encouraged to keep creating.”
At a press conference on August 13, Senator Baltej Dhillon, President of the Canada India Education Society, which awards the prize, said, “Culture, heritage — all things that are important to us, are only available to us through our language…These are important initiatives for the community, for the broader commitment we have in Canada to support multiculturalism.”
The awards were presented on November 13 at Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey, British Columbia.
Part of the ceremony included the presentation of a proclamation marking “Punjabi Literature Week” by the Province of British Columbia, City of Vancouver and City of Surrey.
Award-winning author Gurjinder Basran delivered the keynote address, while Vijay Yamla, grandson of Punjabi folk singer Yamla Jatt, performed at the event.
“I feel breathless. It is an honour. I love my mother tongue of Punjabi. With this award, I hope to continue my service to it,” Bashir said.
Rasulpuri added, “It is a big accomplishment to be named finalist. Now, my stories can break past the boundaries of the Punjabi language and reach readers of other languages as well.”
Prize founder Barj S Dhahan said, “Our mission is to celebrate and elevate Punjabi literature on a global stage. By recognising powerful new tales in Punjabi fiction, we aim to inspire readers, support authors, and strengthen cultural connections across borders.”
Barj S. Dhahan. Founder: Dhahan Prize.
The Dhahan Prize was launched in 2013 by the Canada India Education Society and the University of British Columbia. Since then, it has helped emerging and established writers reach broader multilingual audiences.
Punjabi has a long history in British Columbia, where the prize is based. It is now the third most spoken language in Canada.
The prize’s presenting partner is the RBC Foundation, while Barj and Rita Dhahan and their family and friends serve as primary funders.
