A cultural of bilingualism can be created in Odisha through translation, said eminent translator and retired professor of English Bikram Keshari Dash while delivering the first Ganeswar Mishra Memorial lecture here on Thursday.
At a commemorative function marking the first death anniversary of renowned writer-academic-journalist Ganeswar Mishra, Prof Dash sought to remove certain misconceptions about translation and highlighted the important role translation plays to promote bilingualism and popularise Odia literature.
“There is no reason why English translation of Odia texts cannot be taught at the Plus Two level,” he said, adding that Mishra had a dream to set up a translation academy. “Translation of literary texts is not just about rendering a book in one language to another but a work of creativity,” he observed. Socio-cultural organisation Sateertha, founded by Ganeswar Mishra, organised the function, which was chaired by Jnanpith award winner and renowned poet Sitakanta Mohapatra. Sateertha coordinator and Mishra’s youngest son Sandeep announced plans to set up a centre for translation and institution of an award for translators in memory of his father.
‘Prasanga: Ganeswar Mishra’, a collection of articles on Mishra’s literary works, was released on the occasion. The 303-page book is edited by noted writer Biraj Mohan Das.
Speaking about the book, Das recalled his association with Mishra and hoped the book would help scholars and researchers gain new insights into Mishra’s works. Author Dash Benhur said Mishra was a multi-faceted literary person and described him as a “rainbow of talent”. He particularly highlighted Mishra’s contribution to feature writing in Odia and noted, “Feature writing had acquired depth in his hands.” He said Mishra always emphasised on the importance of relationships and related to fellow human beings in a warm and meaningful way.
Noted translator and professor of English Jatindra Kumar Nayak introduced the guests and proposed a vote of thanks.