English Translation of Das Benhur's Stories Released

BHUBANESWAR:  English translation of noted Odia writer Das Benhur’s stories titled ‘Kanduri and other stories’ was released here on Thursday.

The book comprises 19 of 100 short stories of Benhur which have been translated by Bikram K Das, recipient of Sahitya Akademi Translation Award for ‘Paraja’. Translating a literary work from one language to another bridges two different languages and cultures, said Das.

The author stressed on the importance of learning one’s mother tongue properly before trying to grasp any other language.

“Mother tongue lays the literary foundation of people of a particular culture. Unless someone is strong in his/her own language, the person cannot master any other language,” Das said.

Addressing the gathering, Editor of Odia daily Sambad, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik hailed devotion of Das towards translation undeterred by old age. His efforts have made Odia classics readable for people belonging to other cultures beyond the State and overseas.

“Translating Benhur’s stories in English is not an easy job as most of his stories have colloquialism and nativity which reflect the true colour of our State,” said Patnaik.

Noted poet and literary critic Sitakanta Mahapatra released the book which has been published by Orient Blackswan.

Among others, theatre activist Ananta Mahapatra, Regional Business Head of Orient Blackswan, Ashok Sarkar and eminent litterateurs were present during the book release ceremony.