Deepti Babuta is the First Woman to Receive the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature

Deepti Babuta makes history as the first woman to win Dhahan Prize for Punjabi fiction. Explore her acclaimed work and the global impact of Punjabi literature.

on Nov 22, 2023

Deepti Babuta is the First Woman to Receive the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature | Frontlist

Deepti Babuta made literary history by becoming the first woman to win the coveted Dhahan Prize, the highest international literary prize for fiction written in Punjabi.

Deepti Babuta has made literary history by being the first woman to win the coveted Dhahan Prize, the highest international literary prize for fiction written in Punjabi. Her remarkable achievement can be credited to her riveting short tale collection, 'Bhukh Aeon Sah Laindi Hai' ('Hunger Breathes Like This').

Babuta received a monetary award of $25,000 CAD as well as a trophy during an awards ceremony held at the Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. This honour is notable since it is the first time in the prize's 10-year history that the highest honour has gone to a woman.

Finalists' Recognition: Jameel Ahmad Paul of Lahore and Balijit of Mohali were both recognised for their outstanding contributions to Punjabi literature, each receiving a $10,000 CAD reward.

Background on the Dhahan Prize: Founded 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 experienced writers, allowing them to reach a larger, multilingual audience.

Deepti Babuta's historic win not only recognises her particular ability but also acts as a watershed moment for women in Punjabi writing. The Dhahan Prize remains critical in cultivating literary brilliance and promoting Punjabi literature on a global scale.

Deepti Babuta's historic feat as the first woman to win the Dhahan Prize demonstrates the growing appreciation for women's contributions to Punjabi writing. Throughout its decade-long history, the prize has served as a light for honouring linguistic variety and offering a global platform for Punjabi writers.