“There is no doubt in my mind that the courses I completed through the School of Continuing Studies were essential in building the skills and discipline I required to get my debut novel published” – Rajinderpal S. Pal
The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is pleased to announce a new award for creative writing established by SCS learner and author Rajinderpal S. Pal.
Named for Pal’s father, the Pal Saqi Award for Creative Fiction Writing will provide $2,000 annually to a Creative Writing Certificate learner with the most outstanding Final Project. The award’s recipients will be selected by a panel of Canadian publishing industry professionals.
For Pal, an award-winning writer and performer who recently launched his debut novel, the award is both an opportunity to give back to the program that nurtured his own writing, and a way to honour the memory and legacy of his father.
“2025 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the death of my father, Bishambar Singh Saqi, a renowned Punjabi poet. I only knew him for a short time but his influence—his love of learning, of poetry, and his generosity—still guides me and my siblings to this day—two of my siblings are also published authors,” he explains.
“The opportunity to support the Final Project award seemed to be a perfect venue through which I could honour the memory of my father, my siblings who are my biggest champions, and show gratitude for a program that helped me immensely.”
Pal, who received the Penguin Random House Student Award for Fiction while completing creative writing courses at SCS, hopes that in addition to the financial support, the award will give emerging writers the boost and, the much needed, early recognition to continue pursuing their passion.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the courses I completed through the School of Continuing Studies were essential in building the skills and discipline I required to get my debut novel published,” he says.
SCS Creative Writing program director Lee Gowan agrees that the award will make a difference in the lives and careers of SCS creative writing learners. “Besides giving emerging writers much needed validation,” he says, “this award will spotlight both the winning and shortlisted final projects to publishers and agents.”
The first shortlist of authors for the Pal Saqi Award for Creative Fiction Writing will be announced in Spring 2025 and the finalist will be celebrated at the annual SCS Creative Writing Awards Reception in Fall 2025.
To learn more about Pal Saqi and the award, or to make your own contribution to support emerging writers, please visit the award’s donation page.
Saqi Pal | 
Rajinderpal S. Pal |