‘Alap’ by AXX highlights power of translation in globalizing Assamese literature

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TEZPUR: The Translation Project subcommittee of the Axam Xahitya Xabha (AXX) hosted an insightful literary interaction titled ‘Alap’ at the Singha Purush Radha Govinda Baruah Auditorium, centering around the pivotal role of translation in elevating Assamese literature to a global platform.

Delivering the keynote address, renowned author, translator, and academic Dr Aruni Kashyap, a professor at the University of Georgia and a Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellow, emphasized that translation remains an indispensable bridge even in the current digital era of information overload. “Despite the vast availability of information through technology, the depth of cultural understanding, analytical thinking, and emotional resonance that translation fosters is irreplaceable,” Dr Kashyap stated.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by Assamese writers in global literary markets, he said, “Western publishers often hesitate to accept stories deeply rooted in Assam, deeming them less marketable. Some have even asked me to stop writing novels set in Assam. These rejections can be disheartening, but we must persist in crafting authentic narratives and trust that our voices will eventually find recognition.”

Debojit Bora, Principal Secretary of AXX and chief guest of the event, praised Dr Kashyap’s literary contributions and international acclaim. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to Dr Surya Das, acknowledging his role in nurturing talents like Kashyap. “We must honour those fathers and mentors who guide their children to become contributors to society and culture,” he remarked.

Dr Deepak Jyoti Baruah, Executive President of the Xabha’s translation project, reiterated the need for collaborative efforts to expand the reach of Assamese literature through well-organized translation initiatives. He stressed that systematic planning and institutional support are key to taking Assamese literature beyond linguistic borders.

Hridayananda Gogoi, Convener of the Translation Project, announced an upcoming translation workshop to be held during the Durga puja season. The workshop aims to train new translators and boost the presence of Assamese literature in national and international literary circuits.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from literary enthusiasts, university students, researchers, and seasoned translators. The interactive discussions centered around the current state and future prospects of translation in Assamese literature, particularly its role in cultural diplomacy and literary preservation.

Among the prominent attendees were writer and researcher Dr Surya Das, noted translators Bibekananda Choudhury, Dr Dhrubajyoti Das, and Meenakshi Bezbaruah, former Principal Secretary of AXX Dr Jagadish Patgiri, Secretary of the Xabha’s Guwahati office Dr Sanjib Kumar Sharma, steering committee member Dhiren Sharma, scholars like Dr Nanju Dutta and Ankur Roymedhi, youth wing convener Gautam Gogoi, Tridib Bhagawati of the Ramdhenu sub-committee, Swargajyoti Chetia, IT sub-committee convener, and President of Kamrup Zilla Xahitya Xabha Prafulla Barman along with Secretary Arun Mahanta.

Other notable participants included Dr Rajiv Dey from Silchar, PRO Ratan Saud, writers Dr Panchanan Hazarika, Purabi Bora, Putuli Thakuria Medhi, translators Tapan Kumar Baruah, Debajit Bhuyan, and Rupjyoti Goswami, and several other respected figures from the Assamese literary and academic circles.

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