Understanding author’s thoughts, emotions crucial in translation, says former Chief Justice

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Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana emphasised that understanding the original author’s thoughts, emotions and deeper meaning is essential when translating literary works from one language into another.

He observed that translation was not merely about replacing words with their equivalents in another language, but about conveying the poet’s heart, ideas and experiences to readers. According to him, the hallmark of a good translator is the ability to present great literature in simple and accessible language without losing its literary essence.

He was speaking after unveiling the Telugu translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s internationally-acclaimed literary masterpiece Gitanjali by P. Krishnaiah, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board and former IAS officer. The book was released at a programme organised by Emesco Publishers in Vijayawada on Saturday evening.

Describing Gitanjali as a distinguished work in world literature, Justice Ramana said bringing such a literary masterpiece into another language was no ordinary task. He pointed out that every word in poetry carries a distinct meaning and deeper emotional significance, and translations that fail to capture these nuances cannot do justice to the original work. “A translator must first understand the poet’s intellectual and emotional world and fully absorb the thoughts expressed in the original text,” he said, and appreciated Mr. Krishnaiah for successfully undertaking the responsibility.

He also highlighted the importance of literary and cultural programmes, stating that such initiatives and publications would contribute significantly to the development and promotion of the Telugu language.

Mr. Krishnaiah, through his Telugu translation of Gitanjali, has sought to bring Tagore’s rich literary and philosophical expressions closer to Telugu readers. Particular attention has been given to using simple language while preserving the poetic beauty and literary values of the original work.

Former Andhra Pradesh Minister and former MLA Mandali Buddhaprasad said translations played a vital role in preserving and promoting Telugu language and literature. He appreciated efforts to make internationally-acclaimed literary works accessible to readers in their mother tongue.

Former Minister Dokka Manikya Varaprasad observed that literature was a powerful medium for imparting knowledge and encouraging critical thinking in society. He said such publications helped introduce future generations to the richness of literary heritage.

Emesco Publishers chairman Vijay Kumar said the organisation was committed to making quality literary works accessible to readers and would continue its efforts to introduce world-renowned literature to Telugu audiences.

Literary enthusiasts, educationists and several prominent personalities attended the programme.

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