Madhu B. Joshi’s "प्रवासीपरिन्दे"
(Pravasi Parinde) in Two Volumes
Reviewed by
Akanksha Pandey,
Assistant Professor,
Department of English,
Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
"प्रवासीपरिन्दे" (Pravasi
Parinde) in Two Volumes |
Fiction (Translation) | Madhu B.
Joshi |
Remadhav Art, 2023, INR 500 (Of each volume), pp. 195 (Vol. 1), pp. 200 (Vol. 2)
ISBN:
978-81-933267-6-3 (Volume 1), 978-81-92493-08-9 (Volume 2)
Madhu B. Joshi
is a communication expert who does literary translation for creative
satisfaction. She is an author and poet, from Lucknow who discovers happiness through
creative endeavours and also believes in working for the society. Her interest
in language and its intricacies leads her to teach translation. One of her
notable achievements includes translating Yatindra Mishra's Girija into
English as Girija: A Journey through Thumri, which provides
English-speaking audiences with a glimpse into the realm of thumri music.
Additionally, she has made contributions to Story Weaver by translating few tales
thereby reaching a broader Hindi-speaking audience. Madhu has also translated
Hindi poetry and short stories into English and has introduced many important
Black feminist authors to Hindi readers.
"प्रवासीपरिन्दे" (Pravasi
Parinde)
stands as a personal and carefully assembled two-volume anthology of global
short stories translated into Hindi by Madhu B. Joshi. The tranquil images of
cranes embellishing the covers acquire a richer meaning, possibly representing
the journey of tales across diverse linguistic and cultural realms, overseen by
the translator's insightful perspective. This 2023 release by Remadhav Art
marks the culmination of a long and devoted effort. The cover design is also
made by Remadhav Art and it serves as the visual embodiment of the journey that
the translator and reader go through while reading these stories. It also
depicts the depth and variety of language, the role of language and literature
in bridging cultures, and shaping world literature through the careful
selection of short stories translated into Hindi by Madhu B. Joshi. The
collection itself speaks about her sharp insight, skilled craftsmanship and
years of devoted effort in bringing together tales from different of countries,
compiling them together and effectively capturing the array of global
storytelling.
The chosen
narratives are sourced from various nations across the continents, which are
from different writers also, reflecting an intention to offer a genuine
international literary panorama to Hindi readers. The index does not have the
name of the original writers, just the nation they belong to, in order to evoke
the feeling of suspense and curiosity. This is why I will also not reveal it
aligning with Joshi’s thoughts. Madhu B. Joshi’s dedication to this undertaking
is quite clear in her careful process of sourcing the original works as well as
managing the complexities of translation rights.
The translation
from English to Hindi is performed with noticeable expertise and sensitivity.
It is not just a literal or technical translation. It ensures that the spirit
and subtleties of the original tales are accurately communicated. It provides
Hindi-speaking audiences with a distinct opportunity to engage with varied
voices and viewpoints from around the world, making it a must-read for anyone
keen on exploring the vast realm of global narratives in a beautifully crafted
Hindi adaptation. This collection truly illustrates the essential function of
translation in enriching literary landscapes and advancing global literary
exchange.
The stories in
the “Table of Contents” for both Volume 1 and Volume 2, previously recognized
for their international breadth, gain additional depth when examined in light
of the preface. The tales are sourced from a wide variety of nations such as
America, Israel, Brazil, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, France, Uganda, Iran, Norway,
New Zealand, Australia, Hungary, Sweden, and Syria. This in turn, reflects a
passionate endeavour spanning many years. Madhu B. Joshi highlights that these
pieces are crafted by distinguished storytellers from their own nations,
including some very young authors. The translator notes that this anthology
consists of stories translated from 1988 to 2022, some of which had earlier
appeared in magazines or other collections, while the majority found their
place in this compilation. This prolonged engagement with these narratives
emphasizes the translator's bond with the stories and their lasting allure.
The preface
clearly highlights the reason for creating this anthology. Her friend Mitra
Madhav Bhan suggested compiling stories by foreign authors, which she would
translate into a book. This idea motivated her to look back at some of her
translations. She discovered that she had translated two stories from many
languages and countries. This insight played a role in shaping the structure of
the two volumes, displaying the extent of her involvement with global
literature. She has also outlined the difficulties which the translator has to
face in finding the original stories. For the stories that were written in
languages other than English, she chose reliable English translations ensuring
that there were no copyright issues. This meticulous approach shows her
professional ethics as well as respect towards intellectual property. She has
also addressed the complexities of securing copyright for Hindi translations in
this book. Madhu B. Joshi remarks on the challenging process of reaching out to
original authors or their representatives many of whom may have passed away or are
difficult to contact. Even when the communication is established, the financial
requirements for translation rights can be a challenge for individuals working
in Hindi. This careful observation highlights the overlooked hurdles that
translators have to face in making international literature accessible to
readers of regional languages. It also highlights the commitment and personal
effort needed for tasks motivated by passion, not money. The personal touch she
adds to the book creates a sense of intimacy within the collection. This
approach encourages readers to engage with different stories and to witness the
growth of a translator's skill.
Vanshi
Maheshwari admires Madhu B. Joshi’s intellectual, cultural and linguistic
skills in understanding and simplifying the intricacies of translation. His attention
is on her hold over the socio-cultural concerns of language and the sensitivity
involved in dealing with the original tales and their essence. Rajendra Bhatt’s
comments about how the translations are “very beautiful and readable” and this
is more convincing by referring to the translator's description of her careful
approach and involvement with the source material over many years. His praise
highlights her ability to connect different languages and cultures. This
collection of translated stories shows a lifelong commitment to promoting
cross-cultural awareness. It reflects the lasting power of storytelling and the
dedication of a translator who has thoughtfully chosen and adapted these tales
for a Hindi-speaking audience. Readers who explore these pages will not only be
introduced to a variety of voices and viewpoints from across the globe but will
also appreciate the artistry and dedication of a translator who has
successfully allowed these “Pravasi Parinde” (migratory birds) to discover a
new and hospitable home within the Hindi literary sphere. The collection
represents a noteworthy addition to translated Hindi literature, providing a
profound and enriching reading experience cultivated through years of
thoughtful interaction with international narratives. The obstacles discussed
by the author as faced during the process of presenting these stories to Hindi
readers highlight the importance of the role of translators as cultural
intermediaries.
The book is an
important read in case scholars who have Cultural Studies and Translation
Studies as their interest areas. The language of the book is not very difficult
to decipher but strategically selected since the aim is to reach the audience
swiftly yet firmly. It allows readers to laugh and cry along with the
characters. It also underscores the nuances of translating across cultures and reducing
the linguistic barriers. It allows the speakers and admirers of Hindi to take a
dive into stories that screams a variety of themes, countries, and Socio –
Cultural contexts in general. The translated stories are a testament to the art
of storytelling and enhance it in a wonderful way. The volume preserves the
essentialities of the original stories while giving it a distinct touch of its
own for the readability of English-knowing readers.