Releasing the Odia translation of Kannad Vachanas literature here at a colourful function, State Governor Dr SC Jamir said that quality, truthfulness and reliability have given the literature a unique identity.
“We in our lives yearn for peace and happiness. Violence and conflict are one of the most serious problems facing the world today. If our minds are dominated by anger, we lose the best part of human intelligence-wisdom, the ability to decide between right and wrong. The role of literatures like “Vachanas” in providing wisdom and philosophical insight for readers is invaluable,” he said.
Dr Jamir further said that translations are quite challenging job, especially if done between classical languages. He lauded the activities of Basav Samithi of Bengaluru in this respect describing literature as mirror social and cultural relationship. He hoped that Odia translation will serve its purposes to prominently enliven our vibrant culture. He described Vachanas literature not as a tradition but essentially a movement to bring consciousness, world order, enhancement of values and promotion of human rights and qualities.
In the programme organised by Basav Samithi, Bengaluru, Arvind Jatti, president of the function, highlighted the spirit of literature and hoped the translations will be a vehicle for national integration.
Health and Family Welfare, Information and Public Relations Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda graced the occasion as guests who emphasized on the literary-cultural growth between Kannad and Odia, as two literary classical languages, will be patronized more through this translation project. Padma Sri Dr Debi Prasanna Pattanaik described the features, meaningfulness and effectiveness of Vachan literature in Indian socio-cultural context.
The Odia translations have been done by Prabasini Mahakuda and Surya Mishra, two eminent Odia poets.
Odisha State Museum Superintendent Dr Jayanti Rath presented welcome address while vote of thanks was proposed by Sucheta Priyadarsini.
Kannad Vachan literature has already been translated into 23 Indian languages and steps are being taken for its translation in some foreign languages including French, German and Arabic, said the organisers.
