Surjit Patar, Rai Azizullah Khan and Nasreen Anjum Bhatti and others emphasize the dire need for a prestigious prize in Punjabi such as the Dhahan International Punjabi Literature Prize
Chandigarh/Lahore November 20, 2013– The Dhahan International Punjabi Literature Prize formally launched in Chandigarh on November 11, 2013 and Lahore on November 16, 2013 aiming to raise the profile of the rich Punjabi literature that exists globally. The launch brought together prominent Punjabi writers, scholars, researchers, professors and community members, who recognize the beauty of the language.
A re-occurring theme at each of the launches (Vancouver, Chandigarh and Lahore) was the ability of this prize to bring the global community together through literature. “The love and humility that is present between India, Pakistan and around the world, needs an opportunity to come to surface through the honoring of culture, language and the people, Rai presented, “with a Punjabi literature prize there is an opportunity to bring greater understanding amongst the people connected to India and Pakistan. Rai Azizullah Khan, is known of his historic family linkages dated back to the 1400s for his family being honored and appreciated for their humanity in a time where humanity was being questioned by the 10 th guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.
Nasreen Anjum Bhati, a highly respected Punjabi advocate, media personality and writer from Lahore, emphasized that the longevity of language will only be sustained through its literature. “Literature acts as a tool to keep the culture and tradition alive through the dissemination of stories.” The Prize will entice new readership and ideally, the translation of works from Punjabi into English. It will also bring crucial material support to writers already active in the field. It will directly benefit writers and inspire new writing in the language, and also bring new attention to general writing in Punjabi, within a broader community.
Surjit Patar, renowned Punjabi writer, was ecstatic to be able to present his works at the Chandigarh launch. “This Prize has the ability to bring forth new readership and a renewed interest in the importance of Punjabi literature,” Patar explained.
The Dhahan International Punjabi Literature Prize, established by Barj & Rita Dhahan, family and friends, was founded with the goal to recognize the universality of the Punjabi language, inspire leadership in Punjabi literature and build social bridges between Canada, India, Pakistan and other countries which have vibrant, dynamic and successful Punjabi speaking communities.
The Canada India Education Society (CIES) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) have partnered to present the Dhahan International Punjabi Literature Prize, to celebrate the rich history of the Punjabi language and living present of Punjabi language and literature. The cash prize of $25,000 CDN will be awarded annually to one ‘best book’ in either Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi scripts internationally. Two runner-up prizes of $5,000 CDN will be awarded, one for each script. Winners will be announced at an inaugural gala in October 2014 in Vancouver.
For more information about the Dhahan International Punjabi Literature Prize, please visit www.asia.ubc.ca / www.punjabiliteratureprize.com or contact mdhillon@ punjabiliteratureprize.com or 9878179302
About DEPARTMENT OF ASIAN STUDIES AT UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Department of Asian Studies at UBC represents the premiere department in Canada dedicated to the study of Asia, and is considered among the strongest in North America overall. The Department is responsible for teaching a wide range of Asian languages and the literatures, cultural history, and religions connected to them. Punjabi language and literature occupy pride of place in UBC¹s South Asia teaching and research, and represent one of the largest and longest-standing Punjabi language programs in the world, outside of South Asia.
About CANADA INDIA EDUCATION SOCIETY
Canada India Education Society (CIES) supports education, community development, health care and job creation in India. We promote civil society partnerships between Canada and India with a particular focus on the relationships between groups in British Columbia and Punjab.
