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Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Two Jalandhar writers among Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature 2025 finalists
Balbir Parwana and Bhagwant Rasulpuri, both from Jalandhar, and Mudassar Bashir of Lahore have been shortlisted as the 2025 finalists of the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature. Balbir Parwana of Jalandhar was shortlisted as a 2025 finalist of the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature for his novel in Gurmukhi, Rauleyan Vele (In the Time of Unrest). (HT Photo) The finalists of the international literary award that recognises excellence in Punjabi fiction were announced on Wednesday in Surrey by the Canada India Education Society and the University of British Columbia. The stage is now set for one best book of Punjabi fiction to receive $25,000 on November 13, along with two finalist awards of $10,000 each. An additional $6,000 is granted for the transliteration of winning books into Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi. Mudassar Bashir of Lahore in Pakistan Punjab was nominated for his Shahmukhi book, Goyal (Precarious Shelter). This year, the Prize received 55 eligible submissions from India, Canada, Pakistan, Australia, the US and the UK. While Balbir Parwana was shortlisted for his novel in Gurmukhi, Rauleyan Vele (In the Time of Unrest), Bhagwant Rasulpuri was selected for his book of short stories, Delivery Man, also in Gurmukhi. Mudassar Bashir of Lahore in Pakistan Punjab was nominated for his Shahmukhi book, Goyal (Precarious Shelter). Besides penning 15 novels, Parwana is a translator, editor and researcher, well-versed in the history of political movements that have shaped Punjab's culture and politics. At present, he is the editor of the literary section of Punjabi newspaper, Nawan Jamana. Bhagwant Rasulpuri was selected for his book of short stories, Delivery Man, also in Gurmukhi. Rasulpuri has written eight short story collections and two children's books, while the Book Trust of India has published three of his translated works. He founded a monthly literary magazine in 1999, Sur Sanjh, and the quarterly, Kahani Dhara, in 2006. He regularly contributes articles to Punjabi and English newspapers. Bashir is a seasoned journalist, historian, poet and novelist. Among his best know books are Lahore di Vaar, a cultural history of Lahore, Kan Waghay Border, a collection of short stories and the 2019 Dhahan Prize finalist, Kaun (Who). The Dhahan Prize aims to promote new Punjabi literature in both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts globally. 'Our mission is to celebrate and elevate Punjabi literature on a global stage. By recognising 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, which was launched in Vancouver in 2013. The Prize reflects British Columbia's longstanding connection to Punjabi people, language, and culture. Punjabi is now the third most spoken language in Canada.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Patar's poetry finds new script, techie decodes him for other Pb
Chandigarh: Motivated by a love for language and growing demand from readers in Pakistan, Melbourne-based Tejinder Singh has taken it upon himself to translate the works of iconic Punjabi poet Surjit Patar into Shahmukhi, the script used in West Punjab. The 48-year-old computing professional who moved to Australia two decades ago began the project by translating Khudkushi (suicide), one of Patar's acclaimed poems, into Shahmukhi and sharing it on X (formerly Twitter). "I'm surprised to find that Patar remains untranslated into Shahmukhi or English," he wrote. "I start a humble effort to bridge these languages, translating his works one poem at a time." His effort drew praise from British MP Preet Kaur Gill, who posted the original Gurmukhi version in appreciation. Born at Bhagowal village in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, Tejinder Singh said the idea had struck him after repeated requests from readers in Pakistani Punjab. "They want to read Patar, and it's disheartening that his poetry remains inaccessible there largely due to script barriers," he said. Even though trained in computing — with a bachelor's degree from India and a master's from Australia — Tejinder Singh taught himself Shahmukhi using open resources. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Updates: Insurance Coverage GIP & GLP-1 Agonists GoodRx Learn More Undo "Shahmukhi is similar to Urdu, but with an extra layer of diacritics for Punjabi sounds," he explained. While he uses artificial intelligence tools during the process, he says he reviews and refines each translation manually to preserve the original poem's emotional and literary essence. The translator believes literature is key to rebuilding lost cultural ties between East and West Punjab. "There are about 3 crore Punjabis in Indian Punjab, but 13 crore in Pakistani Punjab. Our shared literature deserves to be read and loved across the border," he said. Calling his initiative a personal passion project, Tejinder Singh plans to continue translating Patar's poetry to ensure the late poet's work transcends scripts, borders, and generations. One poem at a time, he'll send, a bridge of ink the border can't end. MSID:: 122955215 413 |
