VANCOUVER, BC : The Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature has announced the 2022 finalists for its awards valued at $45,000 CDN, cumulatively. The Prize promotes Punjabi literature on a global scale by awarding $25,000 CDN annually to the best book of fiction published in either the Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi script, along with two finalist prizes of $10,000 CDN each.
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, Adrian Keenan of RE/MAX, G.L. Smith Planning & Design and others. Learn more: https://dhahanprize.com/about/
