Poetry anthology in translation
R. K. RADHAKRISHNAN
BUDDING MOUSTACHE — Blooming Poetry: Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, Translated by K. Chellappan; Tamizhkani Pathippagam; Chennai. Copies can be had from Poompuhar Pathippagam, 127 (Old no.63), Prakasam Salai (Broadway), Chennai-600108. Rs.150.
Most people familiar with the literary works of the five-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.Karunanidhi, would agree that it requires more than command over Tamil and English to attempt to translate his works into English. His biting sarcasm, lively humour and the numerous puns that he banks on to convey diverse meanings to different sections of readers make for the kind of stuff that gives the jitters to any translator. Journalists like this writer go through these phas
es of anxiety everyday, having to translate into English and not lose the meaning and context of each of his statements.
As is well known, translation takes away, almost always, the flavour and, oftentimes, the context of a creation. Add to that his grasp of the nuances of Tamil and his deep understanding of English — a cocktail to keep any aspiring translator away. Perhaps this is the reason why many of his works are not making it in English. The attempts in the past have not been sustained in any case and not many had ventured to translate his poetry. The work under review, translated by K.Chellappan, is a brave attempt to make accessible M. Karunanidhi’s works to a wider audience. The present collection has its basis on two editions of his works. The first one, Thaen Alaigal, was published when he was barely 18 and a second edition Meesai Mulaitha Vayadhil was later put together by poet-lyricist Vairamuthu, who had also written an extensive prologue to the collection of writings — which helps place the book in its context.
Idealism of youth
Vairamuthu, who was 14 when he first read the collection, was completely overwhelmed by M. Karunanidhi’s command over Tamil, his deep love and even reverence for the language, and the manner in which he combined the aesthetics of the language to convey messages on contemporary themes that was accessible to everyone. A romantic at heart, he does not allow pathos to gain the upper hand even in the most hopeless of situations. For him, there is always light at the end of the tunnel — it is only a question of finding it!
The collection of poetry was written by him in his teens and brims with idealism and raw courage. He speaks of sacrifice and social revolution — a product of experiences during his formative years in his village, Thirukkuvalai. As a revolutionary thinker, who sees in nature an ally, he is bountiful in his praise of nature and all that it has offered to humankind. Oftentimes, he speaks like a warrior.
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