Kulbir Singh Suri, a prominent name in Punjabi children’s literature and the youngest son of novelist Nanak Singh, has gained readership across the border after his children’s novel Adhi Chutti Saari was published in Pukheroo, a well-known Punjabi children’s monthly from Lahore. The story appears in Shahmukhi script and is accompanied in the issue by a piece outlining Suri’s literary journey.
Pukheroo is regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading platforms for Punjabi children’s writing. Under editor Ashraf Sohail, the magazine has built a reputation for promoting stories in Shahmukhi and keeping Punjabi storytelling alive for younger readers in Pakistan. Suri said he is proud that readers on both sides of the Punjab can now access his work through this respected outlet.
Adhi Chutti Saari, which can be translated roughly as “half-holiday all day” or “the whole recess,” centers on the affectionate bond between a grandfather and his grandson. The tale draws on school life, intergenerational relationships, and the values passed down within Punjabi families, using simple, nostalgic language that has connected with many readers.
Suri is an established author in his own right and has been recognized with the Bal Sahitya Akademi Award for his short story collection Rajkumar Ka Sapna. His new appearance in Pukheroo marks another milestone in a literary career rooted in one of Punjab’s most celebrated writing families.
In addition to the magazine publication, Suri’s novel is reaching other audiences: a full-length Punjabi film based on the book, titled Love You Daddi Daddu, is scheduled for release on the Chaupal OTT platform. The film features several veteran Punjabi actors, and Suri himself has a role in the production.
The Pukheroo publication is seen as part of a broader effort to preserve Punjabi language literature and to foster cultural connections between writers and readers in India and Pakistan. For Suri, the appearance of his work in Shahmukhi is both a personal honor and a sign that Punjabi children’s storytelling continues to thrive across borders.
