Welcome

Welcome to Surjeet Kalsey’s world and get acquainted with her creative work in the history and development of Punjabi literature in Canada in the last four decades.

Kalsey came to Canada in January 1974, bringing her rich experience in All India Radio broadcasting, writing, journalism and translation, and was ready to take flight in her wings and to share her excitement with Canadian audiences.

Writers do create their original works and Surjeet Kalsey has in her credit  more than a dozen books of poetry, short stories and drama. Along with her creative activities she encouraged many writers in Canada to present their works with respect and dignity, she expected from fellow writers in literary associations in Lower Mainland. Empowering other writers is an act of selflessness and Surjeet had dedicated her enormous time to include and take along with her fellow writers. Therefore, she used her well earned skills of reading manuscripts, editing, translation, transliteration, compiling anthologies and writing book reviews . Surjeet has done extensive work in editing and translating Punjabi literary works in English and in Punjabi. You will find her in Surjeet’s non-fiction contributions in these pages as well.

Based in Vancouver, author and social activist Surjeet Kalsey has been a pro-active, strong and often lone voice in the male-dominated Punjabi literary, cultural and social communities in the Lower Mainland.

You will find in these web pages, Kalsey’s writings – poetry, short stories, stage plays, articles and literary criticism along with her cultural, creative and social activities. In brief, Kalsey has:
– As a translator of literature she introduced for the first time Punjabi literature in English translation to mainstream audience.

– Created body of translation works in English from Punjabi, and in Punjabi from Urdu.

-Developed, and created  women’s theatre in Canada for the first time.

– Founded various literary and cultural organizations in Vancouver, Surrey and Abbotsford

– Anchored radio and hosted TV shows such as “Punjabi Interactive” Talk Show on Channel M first time in the community to discuss literary, social and cultural issues in the South Asian Community.

– Serving as a Family Therapist with non-profit organizations and in private practice.

– Working as a Court Interpreter at all levels of Courts in BC, law firms and other agencies.

-Contributed valuable literary work to bring together Punjabi Muslim and Sikh communities.

-As a teacher and educator taught Court Interpreting program teaching skills in translation and interpreting.

-Conducted various workshops on developing skills in poetry and short story writing, and broadcasting.

-Developed theory and indigenous therapy practices for healing from abuse,  skills in anger management, stress, depression and anxiety.

-Edited books and magazines

Through bi-lingual poetry readings, drama performances, editing bi-lingual magazines, facilitating literary meetings, workshops and groups Kalsey has brought to us a broader understanding of Punjabi literature, culture, language and of social issues such as violence against women and stopping the violence in the communities.
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