Indian Author Honoured with Prestigious Punjabi Literary Award in Canada
The 2025 Dhahan Prize for Punjabi fiction has been awarded to Balbir Parwana from Jalandhar, Punjab, India, for his compelling novel Rauleyan Vele (In the Time of Unrest). The prestigious award ceremony took place in Surrey, British Columbia, on November 13, 2025, where the author received the top honour and a $25,000 prize.
Celebrating Punjabi Literary Excellence
Established in 2013, the Dhahan Prize stands as the largest international literary award dedicated to fiction in the Punjabi language. This year's event continued its mission of celebrating and elevating Punjabi literature on a global scale. The prize distributes a total of $51,000 in prize money annually, recognizing outstanding literary contributions from authors worldwide.
Barj S. Dhahan, the Vancouver-based founder of the prize, emphasized the award's significance in strengthening cultural connections. "By recognizing powerful new tales in Punjabi fiction, we aim to inspire readers, support authors and strengthen cultural connections across borders," Dhahan stated during the ceremony.
A Prolific Writer's Triumphant Moment
Balbir Parwana, a seasoned author and literary editor of the Punjabi newspaper Nawan Jamana, has an impressive literary portfolio with 15 published novels to his name. His previous works include notable titles such as Punjab Di Naxalbari Lehar, Amber Vall Udaan, Pind Da Dard and Pagadhi Sambahal Jatta.
His winning novel, Rauleyan Vele, explores profound historical themes through the journey of a documentary filmmaker interviewing elders about their personal experiences during the 1947 partition of Punjab. The novel's English translation, In the Time of Unrest, reflects the turbulent historical period it depicts.
Upon receiving the award, Parwana expressed his excitement and gratitude. "This award has given my novel a new world of readers," the author shared in a statement. "When I heard my name announced, I was filled with joy and excitement. I'm encouraged to keep creating."
Recognizing Literary Talent Across Borders
The Dhahan Prize also honoured two finalists, each receiving $10,000 for their outstanding contributions to Punjabi literature. This year's finalists included Mudassar Bashir from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, for his novel Precarious Shelter, and Bhagwant Rasulpuri of Jalandhar for his short story collection Delivery Man.
The award ceremony in Surrey brought together members of the Punjabi literary community and supporters of the arts, highlighting the vibrant cultural exchange between Canada and South Asia. The event underscored Surrey's growing importance as a hub for celebrating South Asian culture and literature in North America.
The continued success of the Dhahan Prize demonstrates the enduring power and relevance of Punjabi literature in connecting diverse communities and preserving important cultural narratives for future generations.
