Bridging cultures through poetry

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 25

A bilingual anthology of select Punjabi poems by Sukhwinder Amrit titled “I wish to be your poem”, translated by Gurshminder Jagpal was released by Dr Surjit Patar at Ludhiana on Saturday.

In his keynote address, Amarjit Grewal opined, “A little after they came into being, the human languages began to drift apart over the years. Each language was influenced by local cultures and experiences. As the world globalised, the need for a common medium of communication became paramount. English language came as a saviour. It bridged the cultures and enabled transcultural communication to take place.”

The translator Gurshminder Jagpal felt that Punjabi poetry still remains alien to a non Punjabi reader. “Translating Punjabi work is one area that seems less explored. I am confident this translation will engage the reader.”

An audio message of Sovina Jagpal, a scholar and Canada-based radio anchor was aired and left everyone awestruck profundity of the content.

Blessings showered galore from the world over in the form of messages. It was again a proud moment for Sukhwinder Amrit and Gurshminder Jagpal when their respective skills were laudedd by yet

The Sahitya Academy Awardee Dr Waryam Singh Sandhu said, “Translation is a difficult task especially when it comes to poetry. It is quite hard to capture the sheen of poetic nuances. Gurshminder has responded well to the challenge. He has been quite successful in globalising Sukhwinder Amrit’s poetry. May his romance with poetry stays. Amen!”

Professor Bhupinder Parihar, Shiromani litterateur said, “The translator knows what to retain, what to give up and how to substitute. The translator’s transplantation of Punjabi text to English is an act of visualisation of the difficulties and resolving them in such a masterly way that hardly any trace of labour is visible in renditions.”

Eminent Punjabi poet and social activist Jaswant Zafar said, “English is not just a language but a common space and portal for the world literature where all languages participate as per their ability and interest. Each language when translated into English becomes an asset for the world and adds immensely to enhance our understanding of cross cultural ethos.”

Swarnjit Savi, an acclaimed poet- painter said common thought woven into different languages is an act of sheer craftsmanship that engages and enthralls the keen reader.

The highlight of the programme was a recital of a few prominent poems by Sukhwinder Amrit in Punjabi and its translated version in English by Gurshminder Jagpal .

Gurtej Guraya, secretary, Punjabi Academy Delhi, praised the poet and translator and felt that such endeavours at translation will catapult Punjabi poetry on a bigger platform globally.

Dr Surjit Patar in his valedictory address observed, “If we really wish for the survival of our language and desire that the richness of Punjabi literature is savoured by the world, we will need many translators. No emotional unification is possible without a translator. Gurshminder has the expertise and the temperament not only to understand the subtle nuances of the both the languages but make magic happen with translations.”

Manraj Patar drew the curtains on the event by his soulful recital of Sukhwinder Amrit’s poetry in the form of a song.