The Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature has announced the 2023 finalists for its awards of $45,000 CAD, cumulatively. The Prize promotes Punjabi literature on a global scale by awarding $25,000 CAD annually to the best book of fiction published in either the Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi script, along with two finalist prizes of $10,000 CAD each. The 2023 Finalists of the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature are: Bhukh Eon Sah Laindi Hai (‘Hunger Breathes Like This’), Short Stories by Deepti Babuta (Mohali, Punjab, India), Mendal Da Qanoon ('Mendelian Rules’), Short Stories by Jameel Ahmad Paul (Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan) and Uchian Awazan (‘Clarion Calls’), Short Stories by Balijit (Mohali, Punjab, India).

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VANCOUVER – The Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature has announced the 2023 finalists for its awards of $45,000 CAD, cumulatively. The Prize promotes Punjabi literature on a global scale by awarding $25,000 CAD annually to the best book of fiction published in either the Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi script, along with two finalist prizes of $10,000 CAD each.

The 2023 Finalists of the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature are:

Bhukh Eon Sah Laindi Hai (‘Hunger Breathes Like This’), Short Stories by Deepti Babuta (Mohali, Punjab, India)

Mendal Da Qanoon ('Mendelian Rules’), Short Stories by Jameel Ahmad Paul (Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan)

Uchian Awazan (‘Clarion Calls’), Short Stories by Balijit (Mohali, Punjab, India)

The winner will be named at ceremonies held on November 16, 2022 at Northview Golf & Country Club in Surrey, B.C.

The Dhahan Prize is the largest, international literary award for fiction books in the Punjabi language. Its goal is to bridge Punjabi communities around the world, and promote Punjabi literature on a global scale.

Since launching in 2013, the awards have garnered critical acclaim and significant exposure for aspiring and established writers, setting the stage for their books to reach broader multilingual audiences.

The Dhahan Prize was established in Vancouver, British Columbia, where Punjabi people, language, and culture have a rich history.  Punjabi is now the 3rd most spoken language in Canada, and is a strong thread in the multicultural fabric of the nation.

The prize is awarded by the Canada India Education Society (CIES) and was created in partnership with the Department of Asian Studies at University of British Columbia (UBC). It is currently funded by Barj and Rita Dhahan along with family and friends. Sponsors of the prize include RBC Foundation (presenting), Harj & Darshan Grewal of RBC Dominion Securities, Westland Insurance, G.L. Smith Planning & Design and others.