An Ambitious Translation Effort
The book under review is a collection of translations from English into Assamese, titled Beli Utha Akakh (As the Sun Dawns on the Sky). This collection is a commendable effort to introduce Assamese readers to the poetry of five Nobel Prize-winning writers. The significance of this book lies in the fact that such translation endeavors are rare in Assamese literature.
The Translator and His Approach
Dr. Dinesh Das, a well-known academician from Lower Assam, has previously written and edited several acclaimed books. His skillful translations successfully preserve the subtle cultural nuances of the original works while making them accessible to Assamese readers. Interestingly, the five poets he has selected come from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds, making this collection even more remarkable.
As Edward Said suggests, translation can be either a cultural recovery or a loss. However, skilled translators do more than merely translate—they transcreate. Dr. Das has not opted for a literal, word-for-word translation; instead, he has conveyed the essence and emotion of the original poems with remarkable sensitivity.
The Poets and Their Themes
The five poets featured in this collection are:
- Louise Glück (United States)
- Pablo Neruda (Chile)
- Günter Grass (Germany)
- Tomas Tranströmer (Sweden)
- W.B. Yeats (Ireland)
The book comprises twenty-six poems, rendered in diverse registers and moods, exploring the complexities of human existence. Dr. Das follows what Edward Said termed “late style,” a unique literary approach. The translated poems touch upon themes such as sorrow, grief, love, life, death, nature, beauty, class, and nationality—drawing from the ideas of Benedict Anderson’s Imagined Communities.
Love as the Central Theme
At its core, the central theme of this collection is love. Love here is not limited to romance; it is an unconditional surrender of the self to another. Glück’s poetry shimmers with the beauty of love, juxtaposed with the radical feminism of the West. Even the sound of silence finds expression in the translated verses.
Capturing the Essence of Each Poet
- Tomas Tranströmer: His poetry is characterized by simplicity, stripped of unnecessary ornamentation. Dr. Das has captured this raw, candid self-revelation effectively.
- Günter Grass: His poems are existential, philosophical, serious, and often cryptic. Like his celebrated novel The Tin Drum, Grass’s poetry employs rhetorical language that poses challenges for English translators. Dr. Das has done an admirable job of preserving the original’s essence, even when the translation exists at a remove from reality—evoking Plato’s concept of the “Ideal.”
- Pablo Neruda: A poet of love and revolution, Neruda’s most anthologized poems have been translated into Assamese. Dr. Das’s deft translation captures the fervor and passion of Neruda’s verses.
- W.B. Yeats: Renowned for his symbolic poetry, rich imagery, and Irish nationalism, Yeats is also well represented. His well-documented, unrequited love for Maud Gonne is a recurring motif in his work. Dr. Das has carefully selected poignant poems reflecting pain and separation, particularly in his translations of Neruda’s works.
A Worthy Contribution to Assamese Literature
Kudos to Dr. Dinesh Das for his thoughtful selection of poems and his adept translation, informed by his deep knowledge of both world and Assamese literature. This book is sure to inspire poetry lovers, reinforcing Dr. Das’s belief that translation serves as a bridge between languages and cultures.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, this collection deserves a place on the bookshelf of any Assamese reader who appreciates fine poetry. The preface by Dr. Jaba Thakuria is well-written, addressing the challenges and merits of translation as a cultural act. Credit is also due to Purbayan Publications for bringing out such a beautiful and thought-provoking collection.
