Surinder Dhanjal : Watno Dur and Punjabi Literature in Canada

This interview is a part of the “Punjabi in BC” oral history project (2019-2023). “Punjabi in BC” is comprised of interviews with over 50 K-12 teachers, language advocates, journalists, and writers who have contributed to the life of the Punjabi language in British Columbia, Canada. The subject of this interview, Professor Surinder Dhanjal, holds two Ph.D.s in Computer Science and Punjabi, and two Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computation। Dr. Dhanjal founded the literary and cultural Canadian Punjabi magazine Watno Dur in 1973 and played key roles in several Punjabi cultural organizations in Canada. This interview with Surinder Dhanjal is divided into three segments and includes one promotional video. In the interview, Surinder Dhanjal shares his experience of immigration to Canada and his passion for Punjabi literature. He discusses the founding of the journal, Watno Dur, and talks about various Punjabi literary organizations in Canada. He also talks about his books and his process of writing.