Introduction

Deepti Babuta became the first woman to win the famous Dhahan Prize, which is the highest international literary award for fiction written in the Punjabi language, Deepti Babuta has engraved her name into the annals of literary history.

It is her gripping collection of short stories, titled “Bhukh Eon Sah Laindi Hai” (which translates to “Hunger Breathes Like This”), that is responsible for her most remarkable accomplishment.

Notes on the Award:

In the course of an awards ceremony that took place at the Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, Babuta was presented with a trophy as well as a cash prize equivalent to twenty-five thousand Canadian dollars.

This distinction is a noteworthy milestone because it is the first time in the prize’s ten-year existence that the highest accolade has been given to a female recipient.

The Recognition of the Finalists:

In addition, two additional finalists, Jameel Ahmad Paul from Lahore and Balijit from Mohali, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Punjabi literature and were awarded a prize of 10,000 Canadian Dollars each.

Dhahan Prize History and Context:

Through the Dhahan Prize, which was created 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 wider audience that is multilingual.

Improving the Status of Punjabi Literature:

The historic victory held by Deepti Babuta not only acknowledges the unique skill she possesses but also marks a significant achievement for women in the field of Punjabi literature.

While the Dhahan Prize continues to play an important part in promoting Punjabi literature on the international scene, it also plays an important role in cultivating literary brilliance.

An increasing number of people are acknowledging the contributions that women have made to Punjabi writing, and Deepti Babuta’s trailblazing feat as the first woman to win the Dhahan Prize is particularly noteworthy.

Throughout its ten-year history, the prize itself continues to serve as a shining example of the importance of recognizing and appreciating linguistic variety and offering a worldwide stage to Punjabi authors.