Venkata Appala Chari translates the holy book into Urdu
In mundane imagination, a book titled ‘Naghme Ilahi' will perhaps invoke the image of classical Sufi saints in ecstasy of God's praise. But hardly does it occur to even the most devout Hindus that the title literally translates into ‘Bhagavad Gita'!
If this Urdu translation of the hymn from Hindu mythology raises many eyebrows, the translator S.T. Venkata Appala Chari, who achieved this task at 74 surprises many more. Now 83, Mr. Chari, who retired as the Statistical Officer in the Education Department long ago, claims that his is the most authentic Urdu translation of the hymn. “I finished the work in one year, and got it published in 2003. In 18 chapters, it contains the translation of the meanings of 700 slokas,” said Mr.Chari.
The job was not as simple as said. Effort to script the slokas in Urdu failed due to many differences between the languages in terms of pronunciation. Barriers were encountered in translating a few words such as ‘Parashakthi' and ‘Paramapadam', and in explaining the relevance of a few mythological characters. These were effectively addressed by providing a glossary. “During Mughal period, the Bhagavad Gita was translated into Persian tongue. There have been a few recent Urdu translations too, but not very meaningful ones. I am satisfied that my translation is faithful to the original,” Mr. Chari says.
The Nawabi tongue came more naturally to Mr.Chari than either Telugu or Sanskrit, as he had studied up to graduation with Urdu as language medium.
“I owe my penchant for and knowledge of Urdu to my high school teacher, Khadar Husain Khan, who would call me ‘111' referring to my Vaishnavite symbols,” he recalled fondly.
The octogenarian is now busy working on the manuscript of a 50-year-old Telugu-Urdu dictionary.
Keywords: Bhagavad Gita
Comments:
Great.It is not even the content but the efforts taken which counts.Kudose to you sir.
Amazing work Sir, very language is scripted by the creator and any language deserves all the credit. The effort taken by us needs all commendation. Well done Sir, for your time and resilence.
I never thought of it, it's a great work. Though all religious people in india live with great compassion and unity, hope such gestures will help for better understanding of each religion.
Absolutely Awesome! I pray to Yogeshwar Krishna to give you all the energy to complete the work on dictionary soon.
Hatts off to you sir,.
Great ! Very proud of Thiru Venkata Appala Chari..it is inspiring to do a purposeful task ,not limited to any age.
I am proud of my fellow Indian who at the age of 83 has undertaken
this phenomenal exercise of translating Bagahvat Geetha in to Urudu.
People like Appala Venkata chari and another gentleman TD
Krishnamachari from Bangalore who wrote a book on Vaishnavisam at
the age of 75 acquiring a PHd in the subject which he commenced
after retiring from his professional service.
Indeed these octogenarian are to be respected and emaluated to be a
role model for the younger generations.
I bow my head with humbleness and respect.
Long Live Mr Venkata chari and Krisnamachari
Its indeed a fantastic achievement. Goes a great way in the national
harmony and understanding and appreciating each other's culture and
heritage. Great job sir!
A phenomenal effort and great service to humanity. We salute you sir!
MSR Ayyangar
There are several translations of Bhagvad Gita in Urdu, but by naming his translation as Naghma e Ilahi Mr. Chari , has done justice to the title of this epic. There are many Islamic Scholars who are of the opinion that many of the religious books of India are all from the same source as Torah, Bible and Qur’an and revere them. Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi, and his Khalifa Maulana Abdul Kareem Parekh had even initiated a drive to make Sanskrit a language at some Madrasas to look into this possibility. By establishing this fact they hoped to bridge the gap between devout Hindus and Muslims who are often at loggerhead; if not on the basis of the ritualistic practices they indulge in but at least on the basis of tenets held by the scriptures. I had read translation of Bhagvad Gita and Upanishads with commentaries by Dr. S Radhakrishnan when I was a student. What Shri Krishanji preaches to Pandavas in Bhagvad Gita is the same concept of Khaza and Qadr (Destiny) which was later taught by Muhammad SA as one of the basic requirement of faith. When Swami Vivekananda was asked by one of his Muslim fan about what was his opinion of Muhammad SA, he very rightly said: His teachings have rationalized all human thought. Now with Shankracharyas advocating translations and propagation of Qur’an and Mr Chari’s naming translation of Bhagvad Gita as Naghma E Ilahi ice seems to be melting.
An appreciable effort, or as we say in Urdu "Khoob Kavish".
Yes,they have done wonders even at their old age.It would benefit the Hindus if great works in Urudu are being translated into Tamil. Readers would be interested to know about translations of few great works of william shakespeare,like Julius caesar,Othello,Magbeth and Tempest were being translated into Tamil 80 yrs ago.The author was one T.N.Seshachalam a great scholar in Tamil and English.He was running a Tamil literary weekly by Name "Kala Nilayam"for 7 yrs(1928-35).The translated works were published in the magazine.He was only around 40 yrs at that
period.
Great job. It will help in understanding.
Just Amazed at the passion and to add to that at this Age of 83. Its a lesson for many of us who think what we can give to society in a unique way. This is a motivation for many of us to think differently and pursue the passion with in us.
Similarly great works of other religions (Quran, Adi-Grantha, Bible) can
also be translated to Hindi & other regional languages. It will help in
understanding religions a lot better.
The good work done,
hopefully the Urdu translation would help the readers to understand
what the Almighty Krishna had to convey to mankind. As said by one
of the recent Indian philosopher & preacher of Shrimad Bhagwat
Geeta, its not a Hindu scripture but the Human scripture, useful to
mankind.
While I appreaciate the effort, I fail to understand how will it be useful because not many from Hindu community will read/understand Urdu version...and not many from other communities will be read Hindu mythology...Effort is the only part work here...I do not see the use.
Really appreciable task which you have done sir , Everybody must appreciate .
Great work Sir, really apreciated.Shrimad Bhagwat Gita has been bounded in words by great saga Vedvayas and the reason of course to benift everyone. If we have not been known by these devine words just because of language boundry, this transalation would really fill that gap. This is for mankind and should reach to each and every individual without any religious boundry. Congratualtion once again and thanks for this great effort.
Proud of you sir!. I have a humble request - kindly translate Ishavasya Upanishad too.
What a charming story of a truly positive spirit! Wish there were more people like Venkata Appala Chari to spread the great wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita in such unique ways. An amazing effort by the gentleman - hats off to you sir.
The title SHRIMAD BHAGWAD GITA is OK but NAGHME ILAHI is incorrect
translation shown in Urdu below it. ILAHI is aN Arabic term used for
Allah. In Urdu there are words such as Khuda etc. Perhaps this was a
mistake in translation because the Holy Gita would not be named to be
understood as a message from Allah, while at the same time I would add
my appreciation for the hard work done by the author.
thank you sir for driving another nail in the coffin of the hindu-muslim divide. language belongs to those who love her and adopt her as one's own. just like language, knowledge too can't be bottled in for the consumption of a few. it reaches those who thirst for her.you deserve all the blessings for allowing urdu lovers to relish the philosophy of Bhagwat Gita. it belongs to anyone who wishes to live his/her life with a purpose while not getting all too attached to it.
You have proved, sir, age is no bar in pursuing what iterests one. At the same time, you have also opened a window for the non hindu world to know what this great epic is. This, am sure, would go a long way in dispelling a whole lot of idiological misunderstandings this part of the world has with regard to Gita. I would just recall a recent incident in which a court in Russia attempted to ban this on the pretext of promoting terrorism, an absolute absurd even by the wildest stretch of imagination. By such endeavours by the noble men and ardent hindu followeres like you, i am sure, the hindu epics would no longer meet such pathetic situations. Kudos to you once again.
I congratulate the octogenarian for translating Bhagavad Gita in to Urdu. The Russian Court has objected the translation of an improper interpretation. This translation will help the Urdu readers to know the proper text, as the same interpretation is available in Urdu also.
I'm really proud of you sir for communicating the message of Sri Krishna to transcend the ego in life for achieving higher consciousness
Salute to you Sir, for rendering this selfless service to the society. We all are proud of you for spreading Lord Sri Krishna's message of peace and one's well being.
Ashok Kumar Sharada, Bangalore.
My warmest greetings to Shri Venkata Appala Chari,for undertaking such an exercise. I have been looking for a urdu translation of this great book in prose.By more such efforts we will be able to appreciate the inherent goodness in all the religions and will not be misguided by the mischief mongers who generate ill-will and siege mentality amongst us .
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