JALANDHAR, Aug 14— Two authors from Jalandhar — Balbir Parwana and Bhagwant Rasulpuri — have been named among the three finalists for the 2025 Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature, an international award honouring excellence in Punjabi fiction.
The finalists, announced Wednesday in Surrey, Canada, by the Canada India Education Society and the University of British Columbia, include Lahore-based writer Mudassar Bashir. The winner will be awarded $25,000 at a ceremony on November 13, with two other finalists receiving $10,000 each. An additional $6,000 will be provided for transliteration of the winning books into Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi.
This year’s prize drew 55 eligible entries from India, Canada, Pakistan, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Parwana was shortlisted for his Gurmukhi novel Rauleyan Vele (In the Time of Unrest), while Rasulpuri’s Gurmukhi short story collection Delivery Man earned him a spot. Bashir was recognised for his Shahmukhi work Goyal (Precarious Shelter).
Parwana, the editor of the literary section of Punjabi newspaper Nawan Jamana, has authored 15 novels and is known for his work as a translator, editor and researcher. His writings often draw from the history of political movements shaping Punjab’s culture and politics.
Rasulpuri has published eight short story collections, two children’s books, and three translated works through the Book Trust of India. He founded the monthly literary magazine Sur Sanjh in 1999 and the quarterly Kahani Dhara in 2006, and contributes regularly to Punjabi and English publications.
Bashir, a journalist, historian, poet and novelist, has written extensively on Punjabi history and culture. His notable works include Lahore di Vaar, a cultural history of Lahore; Kan Waghay Border, a short story collection; and Kaun (Who), which was also a Dhahan Prize finalist in 2019.
Launched in Vancouver in 2013, the Dhahan Prize promotes Punjabi literature in both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts worldwide. “Our mission is to celebrate and elevate Punjabi literature on a global stage,” said Barj S. Dhahan, the prize’s primary founder. “By recognising powerful new tales in Punjabi fiction, we aim to inspire readers, support authors, and strengthen cultural connections across borders.”
The award also reflects British Columbia’s longstanding ties to Punjabi people, language and culture. Punjabi is now the third most spoken language in Canada.
