Saturday, March 29, 2025
SURREY, B.C. : The Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature announced its 2025 finalists for cumulative awards of $51,000 CAD. The stage is now set for one best book of Punjabi fiction to receive $25,000 CAD in November, along with two finalist awards of $10,000 CAD each.
An additional $6,000 CAD is granted for the transliteration of winning books into Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi.
This year, the Prize received 55 eligible submissions from India, Canada, Pakistan, Australia, USA and the United Kingdom.
The Dhahan Prize is the largest international literary award for fiction books among South Asia’s indigenous languages. It aims to promote new Punjabi literature in both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts globally.
Balbir Parwana, Jalandhar, Punjab, India, for his Gurmukhi book, ‘Rauleyan Vele’ (‘In the Time of Unrest’), Novel
Mudassar Bashir, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, for his Shahmukhi book, ‘Goyal’ (‘Precarious Shelter’), Novel
Bhagwant Rasulpuri, Jalandhar, Punjab, India, for his Gurmukhi book, ‘Delivery Man’, Short Stories
The three finalists were announced at 11:00 a.m. on August 13, 2025 at Surrey Libraries’ Newton branch.
The winner will be announced at ceremonies on November 13, 2025, at Northview Golf & Country Club in Surrey, B.C.
“Our mission is to celebrate and elevate Punjabi literature on a global stage. By recognizing powerful new tales in Punjabi fiction, we aim to inspire readers, support authors, and strengthen cultural connections across borders,” says Barj S. Dhahan, Primary Founder of the Prize.
Launched in 2013, the Prize has earned worldwide recognition and brought exposure to both emerging and established writers, helping their work reach broader audiences.
Founded in Vancouver, B.C., the Prize reflects the Province’s long standing connection to Punjabi people, language, and culture. Punjabi is now the third most spoken language in Canada.
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 Harj & Darshan Grewal of RBC Dominion Securities, G.L. Smith Planning & Design, Tim Hortons and others.
