Bio Graphy

Harpreet Sekha is a celebrated Punjabi author based in Surrey, BC, whose impactful writing delves deeply into South Asian Canadian experiences, addressing themes like gender inequality, social justice, and the challenges of migration. Born in Punjab, India, Harpreet migrated with his parents to Canada in 1988. Although trained as a Mechanical Engineer and working as a CNC Machinist/Programmer, his passion and talent for storytelling have established him as a notable voice in contemporary Punjabi literature.

 

Harpreet’s works span both fiction and non-fiction, resonating widely across cultures and generations. His non-fiction book Taxinaama (2011) vividly captures the immigrant experience and has received critical acclaim in both its original Punjabi and its English translation, Journal of a Taxi Driver. His fiction includes widely recognized short story collections such as Bi Ji Muskra Paye (2006), Baaran Boohey (2013), Prism (2017), and Duggi (2020), with recent additions including Loondani (2023) and the novel Hanerey Raah (2020). His work has been embraced internationally, with Baaran Boohey translated into Hindi as Barfkhor Hwaein and Hanerey Raah translated for Hindi-speaking audiences. In 2017, he also translated Hugh Johnston’s Jewels of the Qila into Punjabi, published as Qiley dey Moti, further connecting audiences to pivotal narratives in Canadian history.

 

Harpreet is also a regular contributor to Punjabi, Hindi, and English literary magazines, with weekly essays featured in Nawan Zamana and monthly articles in Seerat. His writing has achieved significant academic recognition: his story “Panj Dollar Da Note” from Bi Ji Muskra Paye is part of the Rajasthan School Board’s 12th-grade curriculum, his story "Ram Gau" is included in the Bachelor of Arts Punjabi program at Maharaja Ganga Singh University in Bikaner, and Hanerey Raah is taught in the Bachelor of Arts Punjabi program at Punjabi University. Additionally, Dhol and Chinook have become part of the University of British Columbia’s third-year Punjabi program, and Taxinaama has been included in Kurukshetra University’s M.A. Punjabi curriculum, where it continues to inspire M.Phil  research.

 

Harpreet’s stories have transcended the written word, finding life on stage and screen. His works have been adapted by prominent theatre artists. Harpreet Sekha’s body of work remains a vital and influential part of the Punjabi literary landscape, bringing the voices and stories of South Asian Canadians to readers worldwide.