Singh, D. P. (2022). Current Status of Science Fiction Writings in Punjabi. Proc. 21 st Annual & 6 th International Science Fiction Conference, Org. by IASFS, Bangalore, India. 17-20 July 2022 1 Current Status of Science Fiction writings in Punjabi Dr. D. P. Singh Associate Professor (Ex.), Higher Education Dept., P. E. S.1, Govt. of Punjab, India Presently: 4-215 M. V. Blvd., Mississauga, L5A 1Y7, Ontario, Canada Abstract Science fiction (SF) writing in Punjabi began sometime in the 1970s. In the last four decades, only a few original books and translation works have been published in this field of Punjabi literature. However, in recent years, a new vigour has been observed; many Punjabi writers have published many science fiction stories in various magazines and newspapers within India and abroad. A few writers have also contributed to the development of this field by writing original books and translating the SF works of various eminent authors of other languages. This article elaborates on the contributions made by various persons/organizations to the development of SF writings in Punjabi. The role of different institutions, NGOs, and government agencies in this field is also reported. Furthermore, the state of art report for SF literature in Punjabi is presented. Finally, the role of print/mass media in developing Punjabi SF writings is discussed. It is pointed out that SF writing in Punjabi is still in its infancy, but it has excellent potential for authors to make outstanding contributions. Introduction Punjabi is the 'State language' of the Punjab province of India. It emerged as an independent language in the 11th century. An eminent Sufi Faqir Baba Farid composed his hymns and Slokas in it during the early 13th century. It is believed that the golden period of Punjabi literature extends from the birth of Guru Nanak (1469) to the demise of Guru Gobind Singh (1708). Most of the mystic and religious poetry of the period is preserved in the Adi Granth, an excellent anthology of Bhakti poetry. From 1600 to 1800 AD, the best in Sanskrit literature was imbibed in Punjabi through translation works, covering the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads [1]. During the period of the Mughals, Sikh Kingdom, and British Empire, the official language of the Punjab province was either Urdu or English. Thus, Punjabi did not get official backing. Even after India's independence, it could not get official recognition until much later.