Deepti Babuta becomes first woman to bag Dhahan Prize for Punjabi literature

Introduction:

Deepti Babuta has etched her name in literary history by becoming the first woman to clinch the prestigious Dhahan Prize, the largest international literary award for fiction in the Punjabi language. Her outstanding achievement is attributed to her compelling short story collection, ‘Bhukh Eon Sah Laindi Hai’ (‘Hunger Breathes Like This’).

Award Details:

Babuta was honored with a cash award of $25,000 CAD and a trophy during an awards ceremony held at the Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. This recognition marks a significant milestone as it is the first time in the prize’s 10-year history that the top honor has been bestowed upon a woman.

Finalists’ Recognition:

Two other finalists, Jameel Ahmad Paul from Lahore and Balijit from Mohali, were also acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to Punjabi literature, each receiving a prize of $10,000 CAD.

Dhahan Prize Background:

Established in 2013 by the Canada India Education Society (CIES) and the University of British Columbia (UBC), the Dhahan Prize serves as a platform to elevate both aspiring and established writers, providing them the opportunity to reach a broader, multilingual audience.

Empowering Punjabi Literature:

Deepti Babuta’s historic win not only recognizes her individual talent but also serves as a milestone for women in Punjabi literature. The Dhahan Prize continues to play a vital role in fostering literary excellence and promoting Punjabi literature on the global stage.

Deepti Babuta’s groundbreaking achievement as the first woman to secure the Dhahan Prize underscores the growing recognition of women’s contributions to Punjabi literature. The prize itself, through its decade-long journey, remains a beacon for celebrating linguistic diversity and providing a global platform for Punjabi writers.

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