While searching for a book to aid one of my students studying for the Punjabi proficiency test at the University of British Columbia, I discovered a bookstore gem. Having been a previous professor, Rajwant Singh is one of the owners with a wealth of knowledge about Punjabi literature.
A wide array of books at India Bookworld include all genres in Punjabi. Celebrating Black History Month, I was elated to see my favourite African American literary work, Roots by Alex Haley, translated into Punjabi. It’s the history of Haley’s family; enslaved Africans brought to the U.S. and subjected to savagely brutal treatment for centuries. The electrifying story begins with young Kunta Kinte, a West African from Gambia who was abducted from his village and brought as a slave to America in 1767. An epic piece of history translated into Punjabi by Daljit Singh Rakhra will touch your heart and pierce your soul. Check out the large selection of children’s Punjabi books at India Bookworld here
I also find India Bookworld in Surrey to have an amazing collection and very knowledgeable owners. In fact, I was the student that inspired Raj to seek that bookstore :)! After her wonderful visit there, I then visited myself. They helped me to get the books I needed for my Punjabi proficiency test.