Translators must capture author's emotions and deeper meaning, says N.V. Ramana
Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana spoke at the unveiling of a Telugu translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali in Vijayawada.
Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana said that translating literary works requires grasping the original writer's ideas, feelings, and underlying significance. He was speaking at a programme in Vijayawada on Saturday evening to unveil the Telugu translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali, according to The Hindu.
The translation by P. Krishnaiah, who is the Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board and a former IAS officer, was released by Emesco Publishers. Justice Ramana noted that translation involves more than just substituting words, as it must convey the poet's experiences and heart to the reader.
Justice Ramana stated that a translator must absorb the intellectual and emotional world of the poet to do justice to the original text. He described the task of translating the masterpiece as no ordinary feat because every word in poetry holds specific emotional weight.
The programme included former Andhra Pradesh Minister Mandali Buddhaprasad, who said translations help preserve and promote Telugu literature. Former Minister Dokka Manikya Varaprasad added that such publications introduce future generations to literary heritage.
Emesco Publishers chairman Vijay Kumar said the organisation is committed to making quality literature accessible to Telugu audiences. The event was attended by educationists, literary enthusiasts, and other prominent personalities.