BANGALORE: Bansuri is a collection of 100 poems by Kuvempu which have been translated into Urdu by Shaad Bagalkote. Bagalkote, who drew inspiration from Kuvempu’s poems always wanted to translate them into Urdu for the benefit of a much larger audience. “He is also known as Rasa Rushi. I want his work to be enjoyed by everyone,” said Bagalkote who had also translated vachanas of Akkamahadevi to Urdu a few years ago.
The book of poems was released on Thursday at a press conference where a group of girls studying in the Usama High School in Shikaripura also rendered a beautiful Urdu version of the Naada Geethe or state song while the gathering was mesmerised. Written originally by Kuvempu, Summaiya Firdose, Aseema Siddiqa, Nurzha Fathima, Nishat Parveen and Umme Sahiba managed to master the song in a record two days.
Praising the effort by Bagalkote, Mumtaz Khan, president of the Al Ameen Education Trust said that Bagalkote had managed to capture the spirit of the poems entirely while translating.
“It is a remarkable feat and Shaad has succeeded with flying colours,” he said.
Amjad Hussain Hafeez Karnataki of the Urdu Academy stated that the academy was also attempting to translate more works by Valmiki, Kanakadasa and others. “All languages must be accorded equal respect. There is no question of disliking any particular language,” he said.