The richness of literary tradition in various Indian languages will go unappreciated within the country and the world at large without proficient translation of these literary works, said Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Sunday.
Addressing a function after releasing 12 of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's books translated into English, Mr. Ansari quoted national poet Subramania Bharathi to stress the need for effective translation of Indian literary works to make them accessible to an international audience.
He said Mr. Karunanidhi's vision of art being an agent of social transformation was very much relevant in the modern era, in which technology and means of communication had enabled art forms to be accessible to one and all. “In Indian politics, he is probably one of the few remaining statesman who have successfully synergised their literary talent, political vision, and social activism with great dexterity.”
Mr. Ansari said Mr. Karunanidhi had successfully used journalism, cinema, theatre and public speaking to propound his political vision.
Governor Surjit Singh Barnala said Mr. Karunanidhi's works had released people from centuries-old, habituated patterns of perception, illusion and understanding. “His works have not only opened the eyes of the downtrodden but also sensitised the privileged towards their plight. By this balanced presentation of reality in his literary works, he had brought about a social transformation and justice.” Mr. Karunanidhi said the purpose of writing and mastery over literary forms was not only to make human beings lead a better life but also to live with self-respect and freedom. “Writings should not be confined to aesthetics of literature but should reflect the human situation and pave the way for eradication of violence, terrorism and ensure peace.”
The Chief Minister attributed his success in various fields to his love for the Tamil language.
Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily, Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy, Tamil Virtual University Chairman V.C. Kulandai Swami, Bharathiar University Vice-Chancellor C. Swaminathan and poet Vairamuthu participated.
The translation project was taken up by Bharathiar University when G. Thiruvasagam, presently Vice-Chancellor of the University of Madras, was its Vice-Chancellor.
The translated books comprise a commentary, four books of verse, three novels, a collection of essays, one volume containing two movie scripts, one volume of one-act plays and a translation of short stories. Mr. Thiruvasagam said the Chief Minister had donated his royalty to Bharathiar University.
