A story worth reading
ANJANA RAJAN
|
The tragedy and triumph of the human spirit in general, and the dream of independence in particular, are still relevant.
|
Freed from Disgrace (Kalankmukti); Phanishwar Nath Renu, Translated from Hindi by Satti Khanna, Oxford University Press
Those who love good literature love to share their stories. For decades excellent writing in various Indian languages was either unavailable to the rest of the world or translated in such a shoddy manner that the beauty and sensitivity of the authors were all but lost. Translation is a delicate art. Not only is the translator committed to telling the story as the author intended, there is also the challenge of evoking the appropriate literary ethos. One can’t help but recall the fact while reading works like Freed from Disgrace, a translation of Phanishwar Nath Renu’s Kalankmukti.
Renu’s concerns included the rural environment, the position of women in society and so on. They remind us of his contemporaries like Premchand, the poet Sumitranandan Pant and others. But he also pioneered a new genre of literature, which is considered the precursor to Nai Katha (literally, ‘new fiction). The ability to merge, as it were, with his subjects, and not write ‘about’ them in a commentative manner singled out Renu’s style. Thus the translator is tasked with more than simply changing the language into English.
Whether the translator of Freed from Disgrace, Satti Khanna, has succeeded on all fronts is debatable, but the translation stands independently as a work of art. Opinions vary on how true it remains, or should remain, to the original language. Sometimes a story gains in translation. That is, it would “gain four moons”, but only a Hindi speaker would understand the phrase. The translator has to use his/her discretion on whether such phrases should be used, and how to make sure they do not mar the understanding of the story for the non-Hindi speaker.
Subtle colour
In this book, we find a few direct translations of phrases that have social or allusive associations. They include “your brother-in-law”, through which the speaker insinuates a close sisterly relationship with the interlocutor, and “my feet do not point backwards”, alluding to the popular belief that a demoness’ toes do not face forwards like those of normal human beings. Such usages provide subtle colour to the narrative, and are explained in a brief glossary.
The story itself is worth reading, even if we skirt all issues of language. The tragedy and the triumph of the human spirit in general, and the Indian dream of independence in particular, remain vitally relevant even 30 years after Renu’s death on April 11, 1977.
Significant information
There is Bela Gupta at one end, Mrs. Anand at the other, and all the other characters in between, ready to either battle or embrace the moral degradation that seems to have engulfed the freedom fighters as soon as they became rulers. What gives the story strength is that they tell it, not a detached narrator.
For the reader with greater literary interests, a detailed introduction by Anand Prakash provides significant information on Renu’s life and influences, his literary style, his themes and linguistic devices, (for example, his use of the Maithili dialect). Besides, there is a broad overview of the author’s other works. The verbose style makes heavy reading. Thank goodness the novel itself is not written that way!
Apart from the information and the tragic story, the book contains a small gem by Renu’s son, Dakshineshwar Prasad Roy. In “Remembering Father”, he evokes eloquently a child’s unconditional love and admiration for his father. The little essay conjures up the sights and sounds and fragrances of a world where Renu, the doting father, beloved patriarch, fond friend, heroic freedom fighter and deep intellectual, towered above a devoted following. Translators Mini Krishnan and K. Vijayalakshmi too deserve credit for this fine piece.
Phanishwar Nath Renu is one of the most influential Hindi writers of the 20th Century, and it is a matter of immense pleasure to those who appreciate good literature that he is being translated and presented in a meaningful manner.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Literary Review
