Yatra-Hindi translation of 15 short stories by Yese Dorje Thongchi released

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TEZPUR: Renowned writer and Padma Shri awardee Yese Dorje Thongchi's short stories were formally introduced to a wider Hindi-speaking audience with the release of the Hindi translation of his anthology 'Yatra' in a special event held at the Tezpur Xahitya Xabha Bhawan.

The book, published by Lokranjan Prakashan, Prayagraj, comprises 15 thought-provoking and timeless stories, including the titular Yatra, which has received acclaim beyond regional borders. The Hindi translation was done by Inumoni Das Thongchi, a writer, cultural activist, and wife of the author. The unveiling of the book was done by Dr Juri Dutta, Professor at the Department of Assamese, Tezpur University, and recipient of the Xahitya Akademi Award for her contributions to translation literature.

In her address, translator Inumoni Das shared that Thongchi's depth of thought, unique narrative style, and emotional sensitivity compelled her to undertake the translation. She also noted that the enthusiasm of non-Assamese readers for Thongchi's writings further encouraged her efforts to bring the stories to a wider audience.

The literary event began with a devotional song by veteran singer Kalpana Kalita and was anchored by former Xahitya Xabha Secretary Pankaj Baruah. Former President of Tezpur district Xahitya Xabha Sabha, Dr Bhupen Saikia, inaugurated the session with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.

Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava, attending as chief guest, recalled the deep historical and cultural ties be-tween Tezpur and Arunachal Pradesh. He fondly reminisced about his childhood associations with cul-tural stalwarts like Gahan Chandra Goswami of Nikamul Satra and Sonit Konwar Gajen Baruah. He also praised the role of Bishnu Prasad Rabha in uniting diverse communities, particularly with the Bhaiyam community of Arunachal, and expressed pride in Tezpur embracing Yese Dorje Thongchi as its own.

Dr Juri Dutta, while launching the book, noted that her academic research focused on both Lummer Dai and Yese Dorje Thongchi, two Assamese literary figures from Arunachal Pradesh. She stated, "Before recognizing Thongchi as a prolific writer, I first knew him as an exceptional human being. His stories are rooted in subtle, often unspoken emotions, with a universal quality that transcends their local setting."

She emphasized that translation served as a crucial bridge between cultures and that the Hindi transla-tion of Assamese stories like Yatra opened doors to their wider adaptation into other Indian languages, strengthening the literary bonds between Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and the rest of India. During the programme, Yese Dorje Thongchi urged writers to remain humble and emotionally con-nected to their craft. He encouraged them to never feel complacent in their writing and expressed his own resolve to write even better in the future.

Dhrubajyoti Das, President of the Tezpur Xahitya Xabha, reflected on the literary dimensions of Thong-chi's work and thanked everyone involved in organizing the event at the Xabha premises. As a gesture of goodwill, Thongchi donated several of his valuable books to the Xahitya Xabha library, handing them over to President Dhrubajyoti Das and Secretary Dr Pallab Bhattacharyya.

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