Indian classics to be translated into world languages

New Delhi, Jan 23 (PTI) Book lovers in others parts of the world could soon get to read Indian literature in their own languages, thanks to an initiative of India's Culture Ministry to translate some of the classics. At the same time, selected works by authors across the world will be translated into several Indian languages by Sahitya Akademi, India's Academy of Letters, so as to enable readers here to get a glimpse of world literature. Culture Minister Kumari Selja said the Ministry has launched the project for taking Indian literature abroad and selected classical and contemporary works will be translated into world languages. The work on this has already begun in the six UN languages plus Japanese and Italian to begin with, she said and added that her Ministry intends to expand the reach to as many languages as it can. "Simultaneously, there is a vast pool of writers, who are extremely proficient, writing in more than one language. The Sahitya Akademi will initiate constructive measures to tap this resource pool, and to ensure widespread cross translation of good literary works into multiple Indian languages," she said, addressing the 86th General Assembly of Union Academique Internationale here. She also emphasised that Sahitya Akademi, the host of the event here, should enlarge its outreach manifold so that a greater cross section of book lovers within the country can read and appreciate good literary works. "While we are enabling and recognising good literature, it is sad that cross translation of master works into different languages is still an area where there is much left to be desired," she rued. Cross translation of works serves a greater purpose, that of unifying the peoples of the world. The reader in any distant part of world will live through the same experience the author is living in his narration, Selja said. Though digital experience has undoubtedly overtaken all other forms of outreach, but it is limited to mere visual appeal, she said. On the contrary, a literary experience makes one walk alive through the thick green forests, it makes one feel his feet sinking on silver beaches, and brings alive the experience of fragrance and the colours of blossoming flowers. Selja said Sahitya Akademi is India's central institution for literary dialogue, publication and promotion in the country and the only institution that undertakes literary activities in twenty-four Indian languages, including English. Representatives from sixty countries are taking part in the General Assembly. PTI