Born in the year 1932 in Dhaula village of Sangrur district, Ankhi so far has a long list of writings to his credit. Ankhi, a recipient of the Sahitya Akadmi award, is well known for his novel Partapi. Despite his old age, Ankhi is known for producing one novel each year and the list of novels authoured by him runs long. They included some well-known works like Salphas, Kanak daa katleaam, Kothe Kharag Singh. Ankhi has more than 14 novels to his credit. An English teacher by profession, Ankhi chose to write in Punjabi language and is known for his works depicting the plight and the condition of Punjabi peasantry. Ankhi lives in Barnala at present.

“In am happy about the award,” said Ankhi when asked about his reaction. When asked about his favourite works of his own creation, Ankhi remarked, “Critics and fellow litterateurs say that my novel Kothe Kharag Singh which was released some 25 years ago is my best work. But for me my latest works are closer to my heart like Partapi, Dulle Dee Tab and others. These have been well received by the readers too.” The writer is known to release a novel each year, surprisingly, is now resting. “I released Bheema, a novel on the condition of migrant laborers, some two months back. People are still reading it and I am waiting for their response. After this I will decide what new to write.”

About his choice of subjects which deal primarily with the plight of villages of Malwa, Ankhi remarked, “These 50 villages that fall in three districts of Mansa, Bathinda and Sangrur are closest to my heart. I know them very well and can talk about them with authority. Beyond these 50 villages, I have never tried to even step out. I have written about farmer suicides, farmer indebtedness, drug addiction and other issues that can be seen in this area.”