Dhahan Prize awards $51,000 CAD to the best in Punjabi fiction for 2025

The world’s signature prize for Punjabi fiction yesterday announced its 12th annual winner, Balbir Parwana (Jalandhar, Punjab, India), of a $25,000 CAD award for his novel, ‘In the Time of Unrest.’

Alongside him, Mudassar Bashir (Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan) and Bhagwant Rasulpuri (Jalandhar) were awarded $10,000 CAD each as two finalists. Bashir was recognized for his novel, ‘Precarious Shelter,’ and Rasulpuri, for his short story collection, ‘Delivery Man.’

An additional $6,000 CAD was awarded for the transliteration of the three books into Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi (the writing scripts used in Punjabi).

The Dhahan Prize, based in Richmond, B.C., is the largest international literary award for fiction books in the Punjabi language.

“This award has given my novel a new world of readers,” said Parwana. “When I heard my name announced, I was filled with joy and excitement. I’m encouraged to keep creating.”

Senator Baltej Dhillon (Surrey, B.C.), President of Canada India Education Society, which awards the Prize, said at a press conference on August 13, 2025:

“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.”

Awardees were presented with their awards during the ceremonies held November 13, 2025, at Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey, B.C.

Part of the ceremony included presenting the Proclamation of “Punjabi Literature Week” by the Province of British Columbia, City of Vancouver and City of Surrey.

Award-winning B.C. author, Gurjinder Basran, gave the keynote. Vijay Yamla, grandson of infamous Punjabi folk singer, Yamlat Jatt, gave a musical performance.

Mudassar Bashir shared, “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.”

Bhagwant Rasulpuri noted, “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 and Vancouver resident Barj S. Dhahan said: “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.”

Since its launch in 2013 by the Canada India Education Society (CIES) and the University of British Columbia (UBC), the Dhahan Prize has 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’s presenting partner is RBC Foundation. Barj and Rita Dhahan, along with their family and friends, are primary funders.

2025 sponsors included RBC Dominion Securities – Harj & Darshan Grewal, G.L. Smith Planning and Design Inc., Adrian Keenan Personal Real Estate Corporation (ReMax, Mayne-Pender) and Tim Hortons.