'Tilchauli' (Sesame and Rice Offering) by Mohan Bhandari is a short succinct recount of class struggle through a metaphor of anthill. Mohan Bhandari (1937–2015) was a respected Punjabi short story writer known for his minimalist style and grounded realism. A schoolteacher by profession, he wrote about rural life, human relationships, and social tensions without ornamentation. His notable works include Moon di Akh and Katha Kahani , and his stories are often included in Punjabi university curricu...
Jun 28, 2025•12 min•Ep. 79
A poor priest receives the gift of a few coins and shells from a king. What happens to them when his wife angrily throws them in the backyard? About the Author: Dr. Sohinder Singh Wanjara Bedi (1924–2001) whose folk tale collection - Bata'n Mudh Kadeem Dian has this folk tale, was one of the most respected voices in Punjabi literature, especially known for his unmatched work in preserving and popularizing Punjabi folk tales . Born in the village Dhamial in Sialkot district (now in Pakistan), he ...
Jun 21, 2025•10 min•Ep. 78
"Awalle Nashae" (Strange Addictions) by Amber Hosseini is the story of a 'well-respected' but repressed housewife who is supposed to be satisfied with her position in the household. She needs and wants more, but is it possible for Ghazala to desire more than mere day-to-day existence? Find out in this short story. About the author: Amber Hosseini is a recent but established signature in Punjabi literature being produced from Pakistan. Her story "Awalle Nashae" has recently been selected for the ...
Jun 14, 2025•14 min•Ep. 77
When a prince happens to marry a little she-frog, she turns out to be a clever princess who was under a spell. How far will the prince go to free her from the clutches of Koshchei, listen to the journey he undertakes in this story. 🌲🧙♀️🏚 About Russian Fairy Tales: Russian fairy tales (or skazki ) are part of a powerful oral tradition passed down through generations — not just to entertain, but to teach, warn, and inspire . These stories often carry dark, eerie undertones alongside moments of...
Jun 07, 2025•20 min•Ep. 76
"Sau Meel Daud" (100-Mile Marathon) is a chronicle of the rise and fall of the dream fed to a young man who has extra-ordinary physical endurance and can actually run a 100 mile marathon.About the author:Balwant Gargi (December 4, 1916 – April 22, 2003) was a pioneering Punjabi playwright, novelist, and theatre director who played a central role in modernizing Punjabi drama. Born in Sehna, Barnala district (Punjab), he completed his M.A. in English Literature from Forman Christian College, Lahor...
May 31, 2025•22 min•Ep. 75
"Sajja-Khabba" (Right or Left) This story by contemporary author Tauqeer Chughtai explores the evolution of a naturally left-handed young boy who is shamed and beaten for not being able to use his right hand all his life. The child finally decides to tread the middle path when he reaches college and is asked to choose his (left or right) political leaning.Tauqeer Chughtai's YouTube is @pakherutv 🎧 Narrated by Dr. Manpreet Sahota, this audiobook brings literature to life through compelling story...
May 24, 2025•9 min•Ep. 74
"Mardaangi" (Masculinity) is the recollection of a rich Punjabi landlord's awakening to what real masculinity is. This coming of age story also shines a light on what goes for informal sex-education among young boys in rural Punjab. About the author:Amber Hosseini is a recent but established signature in Punjabi literature being produced from Pakistan. Her story "Awalle Nashe" has recently been selected for the soon to be released anthology '2024 dian Pratinidh Kahanian'. Sukirat has curated the...
May 17, 2025•12 min•Ep. 73
'Salaami' (The Salute) is a reflection of human desire for recognition. Through the character of Band Master Pyare Lal, Dhariwal presents a cosmopolitan vision and a neutrality that is found utterly lacking in today's day. An informal, and simple yet well recognized tradition of honoring a citizen for their selfless public service is ultimately ended. Listen to the story to know why and how !About the author:Khalid Farhad Dhariwal was born in his maternal village, Dhaddoo Bassra, Tehsil Daska, D...
May 10, 2025•26 min•Ep. 72
"Amber Di Dholki" (Amber's Drum) is a feel-good empowerment story that begins with a sisterhood of immigrant women. Amber, a teacher and herself someone who picked pieces of her life after her divorce, brings together a group of women who feel lost and hopeless in the aftermath of immigration and displacement.Surjit Kaur has made Toronto her home since 2007. She has an extensive school and college teaching experience in India, Thailand and the US. She has published four well-received poetry book...
May 03, 2025•15 min•Ep. 71
"Ghar" (Home) is the story of the dilemma of a son torn between community shame and his decision of admitting his father to a much needed Care Home in Canada. About the author :Harpreet Singh Sekha migrated to Canada in 1988. He lives in Surrey, British Columbia. He has observed the life-experiences of especially South Asian Canadians. He uses his piercing eye to highlight issues like discrimination, generation-gap, hypocrisy, newcomers' struggle, illegal methods of migration etc. The short stor...
Apr 26, 2025•43 min•Ep. 70
"Sher Mohammad Chowk" is a touching story of love and responsibility towards a fellow being. Who is Sher Muhammad, and why is a chowk named after him? Listen to this short story written by Punjabi and Urdu writer-poet Ali Akbar Natiq. Ali Akbar Natiq, like Sher Muhammad, is himself an expert artisan; and is therefore a unique combination of a mistri and an author. He lives in Lahore, Pakistan. You can find his poetry on www.rekhta.org 🎧 Narrated by Dr. Manpreet Sahota, this audiobook brings lit...
Apr 12, 2025•14 min•Ep. 69
"Safety Kit" is a mirror of male-dominated society across cultures in which a young woman decides to train and be prepared to be raped if that is the cost she has to pay to explore this world. Samantha refuses to be intimidated by this ultimate assault of patriarchy to shunt women out of public spaces. She, with her determination, inspires the Punjabi girl Jess to live her life on her own terms.About the author:Jinder (b. 1954 Ladhran, Nakodar) has published 7 short stories collections, 2 travel...
Apr 08, 2025•30 min•Ep. 68
Many Moons - is a children's picture book written by James Thurber and illustrated by Louis Slobodkin. It was published by Harcourt, Brace & Company in 1943 and won the Caldecott Medal in 1944. Princess Lenore suffers from "a surfeit of raspberry tarts" — eating too many sweets. She insists she is gravely ill, but if her father brings her the moon she'll be well again.Her father, the king, asks the wisest men in his court how he can give his daughter the moon, and becomes outraged when they ...
Apr 05, 2025•11 min•Ep. 67
"The Teardrop That Fell After the Joke" explores the compulsions of livelihood that three generations of performing human statues have to endure. What started as a wager between the grandfather of the narrating statue and a rich man becomes the destiny of his son who eventually loses his life dressed as a drag queen. What does the latter's son reveal in this long story to a glamorous but insensitive reporter? Listen to this exceptionally written short story to know !Rana has unveiled the layers ...
Mar 29, 2025•36 min•Ep. 66
📚 Ajeet Cour’s autobiography ‘Khaanabadosh’ ( The Vagabond ) won Sahitya Akademi award in 1985. “Free from all reformative or revolutionary pretence, she [Ajeet Cour] set out on the humanistic odyssey of understanding the human experience without talking into the ethical fallacy of judging others.” (Attar Singh). As a memoir, ‘Khanabadosh’ is a reflection of Ajeet Cour as a mother, lover, beloved, business-woman/publisher, author and much more. Here, you can listen to the entire audiobook in on...
Mar 22, 2025•6 hr 13 min•Ep. 65
"Flat Number 13" is the story of loneliness of a whole generation of empty-nesters who are longing for company - of their children, of their age-mates and of this world as they navigate old age. What happens when Purshottam Das meets Ajit? How is their interaction and relationship interpreted? This story has been selected as a part of the annual anthology published by Sukirat Anand in his "Representative stories of 2024."About the author:Simran Dhaliwal's stories bring to life the struggles of m...
Mar 20, 2025•26 min•Ep. 64
This story commences with Sirajuddin, an elderly father, regaining his consciousness in a refugee camp in Lahore. As he comes to consciousness, he realizes that his daughter, Sakina, is not with him. He searches for her in vain after which he accepts the assistance of several young male camp volunteers who assure him that they can locate her. They do find her. Listen to the story to find out what happens next.Saadat Hasan Manto first published this story in 1948 in a collection of Urdu short sto...
Mar 14, 2025•9 min•Ep. 63
The story of Dulla Bhatti , the "Robin Hood," from medieval Panjab remains etched in the minds of Panjabis across centuries. His deeds of social banditry are recorded and recounted in folklore -festivals, folktales, and folk songs - of Panjab. Enjoyed the Narration? 🎧 Narrated by Dr. Manpreet Sahota, this audiobook brings literature to life through compelling storytelling. If you liked it, please subscribe to our YouTube channel as well and share this audiobook with family and friends. I wo...
Mar 11, 2025•14 min•Ep. 62
Chapter 35 - Gupteshwar is sitting with Sham Das - Station Master - narrating his novel - Chitta Lahu. This chapter finally resolves the mystery that is Gupteshwar.'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) was first published in 1932, and is among the most popular novels of Punjabi and a classic written by Nanak Singh, the Father of Punjabi Novel. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs if you want to listen to the complete novel before these episodes air here. Nanak...
Mar 09, 2025•45 min•Ep. 61
Chapter32, 33, 34 - Sundari goes to meet Bachan Singh in jail where he is awaiting hanging for triple murders he has not committed. What will this meeting be like? Will he live or die at the hands of law? 'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) was first published in 1932, and is among the most popular novels of Punjabi and a classic written by Nanak Singh, the Father of Punjabi Novel. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs if you want to listen to the complete no...
Mar 08, 2025•31 min•Ep. 60
Chapter 27, 28, 29, 30, 31- The couple are not even finished celebrating their first reformative win, when Bachan Singh is implicated in a triple murder case. What happens when no one is able to prove his innocence?'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) was first published in 1932, and is among the most popular novels of Punjabi and a classic written by Nanak Singh, the Father of Punjabi Novel. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs if you want to listen to the co...
Mar 06, 2025•45 min•Ep. 59
Chapter 23, 24, 25, 26- Bachan Singh and Sundri are trying to persuade the rich man of the village to not splurge needlessly on his daughter's wedding. They are not only unsuccessful, but also manage to make enemies of those who are eagerly waiting for the courtesan to entertain them. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs if you want to listen to the complete novel before these episodes air here. Nanak Singh (b.4 July 1897 as Hans Raj – d.28 December ...
Mar 04, 2025•53 min•Ep. 58
Chapter 22- Sundri is sent away to Lahore to attend school. She learns of Baba Rodu's death through one of the letters she and Bachan Singh exchange. We learn that she has begun to be published. 'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) was first published in 1932, and is among the most popular novels of Punjabi and a classic written by Nanak Singh, the Father of Punjabi Novel. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs if you want to listen to the complete novel before...
Mar 02, 2025•37 min•Ep. 57
Chapters 20, 21- Pala Singh and his party conspire to tighten the noose around Bachan Singh while also harassing Sundri and her adoptive father. Bachan Singh is apprised of this situation. 'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) was first published in 1932, and is among the most popular novels of Punjabi and a classic written by Nanak Singh, the Father of Punjabi Novel. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs if you want to listen to the complete novel before thes...
Mar 01, 2025•19 min•Ep. 56
Chapters 17,18,19-Sundri's enlightenment begins and so does the inclination of Bachan Singh towards her. Meantime, she is caught sneaking visiting the village gurdwara.'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) was first published in 1932, and is among the most popular novels of Punjabi and a classic written by Nanak Singh, the Father of Punjabi Novel. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs if you want to listen to the complete novel before these episodes air here. Nana...
Feb 28, 2025•58 min•Ep. 55
Chapters 13,14,15,16-the plot thickens as Bachan Singh is implicated by those he is trying to reform. He also meets Sundari, the foundling, who is now a young woman with a thirst for literacy. 'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) was first published in 1932, and is among the most popular novels of Punjabi and a classic written by Nanak Singh, the Father of Punjabi Novel. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs Nanak Singh (b.4 July 1897 as Hans Raj – d.28 December ...
Feb 26, 2025•28 min•Ep. 54
Chapters 9,10,11,12 - bring in Bachan Singh - the young poet-activist who wants to bring about change in his village. We also meet the characters who need to be reformed.'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) was first published in 1932, and is among the most popular novels of Punjabi and a classic written by Nanak Singh, the Father of Punjabi Novel. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs Nanak Singh (b.4 July 1897 as Hans Raj – d.28 December 1971) was a poet, songw...
Feb 24, 2025•37 min•Ep. 53
Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8 have a lot to reveal - right from Gurdeyi's dismal future to a new character of Baba Rodu as well as Sundari, his adopted daughter.'Chitta Lahu' (White Blood) was first published in 1932, and is among the most popular novels of Punjabi and a classic written by Nanak Singh, the Father of Punjabi Novel. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs Nanak Singh (b.4 July 1897 as Hans Raj – d.28 December 1971) was a poet, songwriter and novelist...
Feb 22, 2025•33 min•Ep. 52
In the fourth part of this audio recording, the hypocrite pandit, his circle and his doings are introduced. Gurdeyi is dropped at his place in the chapter 4. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs Nanak Singh (b.4 July 1897 as Hans Raj – d.28 December 1971) was a poet, songwriter and novelist in the Punjabi language. His writing in support of India's independence movement led the British to arrest him. Born in a poor Punjabi Hindu family in the Jhelum dis...
Feb 20, 2025•21 min•Ep. 51
In the third part of this audio recording, Gurdeyi is introduced. Beaten, injured and left in the cold, she is found by a kind soul. She tells her story to her saviour. Full Chitta Lahu Novel on my YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/31KB8iN7zVs Nanak Singh (b.4 July 1897 as Hans Raj – d.28 December 1971) was a poet, songwriter and novelist in the Punjabi language. His writing in support of India's independence movement led the British to arrest him. Born in a poor Punjabi Hindu family in the...
Feb 18, 2025•20 min•Ep. 50
