Justice Sridevan Discusses Translating Imayam's Works as Cathartic Experience
Justice Sridevan describes translating Imayam's works as an emotional, cathartic, and challenging process.
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Key Facts
Translator: Justice (retd.) Prabha Sridevan
Author: Imayam, Sahitya Akademi Award winner
Translated: Four books by Imayam
Process: Emotional, cathartic, challenging
Challenge: Translating cultural elements
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 1: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Literature from Ancient to Modern Times.
GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance - Role of civil services in a democracy.
GS Paper 4: Ethics and Human Interface - Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in Human Actions.
Visual Insights
Translation Process & Impact
Mind map illustrating the key aspects of translation as discussed by Justice Sridevan, including challenges, objectives, and cultural significance.
Translation
- ●Objectives
- ●Challenges
- ●Significance
- ●Legal Aspects
More Information
Background
Translation in India has a rich history, dating back to ancient times with the translation of religious texts like the Vedas and Buddhist scriptures into various languages. During the Mughal period, Persian became the court language, leading to translations of Persian literature into regional languages. The British colonial era saw the translation of English literature and legal documents into Indian languages, shaping the intellectual landscape.
Post-independence, the Sahitya Akademi, established in 1954, has played a crucial role in promoting translation by recognizing translators and translated works. The National Translation Mission (NTM) was launched to facilitate knowledge flow across languages, addressing the linguistic diversity of India. Translation is not merely a linguistic exercise but a cultural bridge, fostering understanding and exchange of ideas.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on promoting translation in India, driven by the need to make knowledge accessible across linguistic barriers. Initiatives like the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' program encourage translation of literature and cultural works between states. The rise of digital platforms and online translation tools has also facilitated wider access to translated content.
However, challenges remain in ensuring the quality and accuracy of translations, particularly in specialized fields like law and technology. There is an increasing focus on training professional translators and developing resources for translation studies. The future of translation in India is likely to be shaped by technological advancements and the growing recognition of its importance in promoting cultural exchange and national integration.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Sahitya Akademi Award: 1. It is an annual award given by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters. 2. The award is given to the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the major Indian languages recognized by the Akademi. 3. The award was established in 1954. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All the statements are correct. The Sahitya Akademi Award is indeed an annual award given by the Sahitya Akademi, established in 1954, for outstanding books in major Indian languages.
2. In the context of literary translation, consider the following statements: 1. Literal translation always captures the essence and cultural nuances of the original work. 2. A good translation aims to convey the author's intent and emotional impact on the reader. 3. The translator's personal interpretation should always take precedence over the author's original voice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 2 is correct. A good translation aims to convey the author's intent and emotional impact. Statement 1 is incorrect because literal translation often fails to capture cultural nuances. Statement 3 is incorrect because the translator should prioritize the author's voice.
3. Which of the following best describes the role of the National Translation Mission (NTM)?
- A.To promote the study of classical languages in India.
- B.To facilitate knowledge flow across languages and promote translation activities.
- C.To regulate the publication of translated works in India.
- D.To provide financial assistance to authors writing in English.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The National Translation Mission (NTM) aims to facilitate knowledge flow across languages and promote translation activities to address the linguistic diversity of India.
Source Articles
The Hindu LFL 2026: Translator has to be functionally true to the author, says Justice Prabha Sridevan - The Hindu
Watch: When an author and his translator meet: Imayam in conversation with Justice Prabha Sridevan | Lit for life 2026 - The Hindu
The Hindu Lit for Life 2026 Day 1 updates: Preamble of Constitution is fundamental in building a beautiful society, says T.M. Krishna - The Hindu
The Hindu Lit For Life | Imayam on life and how literature teaches one to be kind - The Hindu
A writer creates a work, but a translator breathes new life into it, says writer Imayam - The Hindu