Migration to Kolkata became the turning point in the life of Bhuvaneswari Natarajan, chosen for the Sahitya Akademi award (2009) for her translation of a Bengali novel into Tamil. ‘Mudhal Sabatham' is a translation of Asha Purna Devi's magnum opus and Jnan Pith award winner, ‘Protham Prothi Shruthi.' It all seems to have happened in a trice, as the writer traces her romance with the languages, but behind all that breeziness is perseverance and hard work spanning 20 years.
Accompanying husband Natarajan to Kolkata, Bhuvana found herself in a Bengali-dominated area. The young home-science graduate had to manage with her knowledge of Hindi, Sanskrit and English and did not relish the handicap. Adept at art - she draws, paints, creates works of art on aluminium and is nimble with the needle – Bhuvaneswari invited home a Bengali artisan to learn machine embroidery. (“I had to give it all up with writing becoming a passion,” Bhuvaneswari confesses, her voice betraying regret.)
A few sessions later, Bhuvaneswari asked the lady to teach her Bengali. And thus started the voyage. Earnest and eager, she picked up the alphabets and soon was reading the newspaper and simple passages. Books were not far away. Meanwhile contribution to Tamil journals back home continued. “My first short story appeared in Kalki ,” she recalls.
Academic pursuits
“Why should I not improve my knowledge of Tamil,” wondered Bhuvaneswari and did not waste time enrolling to study the Tamil literature (distance) course offered by the Madras University. She passed the examinations creditably and went on to acquire a Master's degree, on her own, much to the amazement of Dr. Ranganayaki Mohapatra, Head of the Department of Tamil, Jadhavpur University, who was a constant source of encouragement. “I wrote my B.A. exams the same time my son sat for his CA exams,” she chuckles.
On the advice of Dr. Mohapatra, the fresh scholar decided to pursue a line of research, in Tamil. “But I encountered a unique problem. There was no dearth of research persons in Tamil and what could I possibly choose as subject?” Again Dr. Mohapatra came to her rescue. “Do a comparative study,” she suggested. And the subject was ‘Wife' as projected in post-Independence (contemporary) literature.
“This meant I had to read a lot - in both Tamil and Bengali - and books that would throw light on society during different points of time. The library became my haven and I read voraciously.”
The condition of women as portrayed in fiction was a major reference point and Asha Purna Devi's works were a treasure house. “I could easily relate to the characters, especially the women. Even as I read I started translating her short stories.” A chance meeting with S. Krishnamurthi, himself a Sahitya Akademi awardee, changed the course for Bhuvana.
Reading her translation of Asha Purna Devi's stories, an impressed Krishnamurthi suggested collaboration. Thus ‘Karuppu Suriyan' was released. And there was no looking back. On the panel of translators for the National Book Trust, she made long strides. Bharati Tamizh Sangam of which she was an active member released many of her books and mentioned her as one of the few, who contributed to the development of both Bengali and Tamil. Recognition came in the form of prizes and titles and the culmination is the Sahitya Akademi award for ‘Mudhal Sabatham.'
“It is the fascinating story of a young girl, who defies taboo and educates not only herself but her timid husband. The saga spans three generations with a single woman's spirit as the common thread,” explains the author. The Tamil work takes readers to an era that seems at once alien and familiar. “It was not that long ago. Every word reflects the outlook of society and the state of the woman in those days,” asserts the veteran, who is widely-travelled.
What was Mr. Natarajan's response to his wife's pursuits? “Well, he left me alone to do my work. Is that not a great help?”
Bhuvaneswari laughs and adds on a serious note, “He never questioned my intentions and would tirelessly mail all those letters and books that had to be sent to the publishers. And I never neglected home.”
The couple have relocated to Chennai (ph: 24310271) and Bhuvaneswari has just finished compiling a Bengali-Tamil-English dictionary, besides being busy with several projects.
