Rajesh Bhat
Lovers of Kashmiri are likely to savor a unique literary collaboration that will warm the hearts of both Punjabis and Kashmiris alike. The critically acclaimed collection of Punjabi short stories Nawen Yug De Waaris by the renowned and celebrated Punjabi writer Mohinder Singh Sarna has now been translated into Kashmiri by the distinguished translator, Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo. Known for his impressive body of work, Mr Lidhoo, a writer, broadcaster has once again proven his expertise in bringing the essence of literary masterpieces across languages.
Originally published in 1991, Nawen Yug De Waaris is recognized as a landmark in Punjabi literature. It was honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1995, a testament to the cultural and historical relevance it carries. The collection explores a wide range of themes, intricately weaving personal, political, and societal concerns. It reflects the fraught history of the Indian subcontinent, particularly the emotional and physical toll of the Partition of India, a tragedy that continues to reverberate through generations.
However, the stories are not confined to historical trauma. Sarna’s stories bring to life the subtle yet profound challenges of ordinary people-capturing the exploitation of the downtrodden and the working class, the psychological turmoil stemming from identity crises, and the moral dilemmas that shape human existence. Themes of spiritual dissonance, societal hypocrisy, and the loss of faith in the modern world permeate these narratives. Sarna masterfully portrays the contemporary human condition-where the moral compass of society seems to wane in the face of rapidly depleting values and global challenges. His stories reveal a post-modernist predicament where traditional belief systems collide with modern anxieties, yet through it all, Sarna leaves space for optimism, for hope amid the darkness.
Mohinder Singh Sarna’s literary genius lies in his ability to distill the complex human experience into poignant, relatable moments. His sensitivity in capturing both the internal and external struggles of ordinary people reflects his deep empathy and understanding of human nature. Even though Sarna portrays the harsh realities of life-devalued human dignity, exploitation, and a sense of moral decay-his works also carry a streak of resilience and the possibility of redemption. It is this delicate balance between despair and hope that makes his writing not only timeless but universally relevant.
Sarna, often hailed as the doyen of Punjabi prose and literature, has made unparalleled contributions to the Punjabi literary world. His vast literary journey includes an impressive array of short stories, novels, essays, and epics that have enriched the cultural and intellectual landscape of the Punjabi language. His work stands as a pillar of Punjabi literature, and his influence on future generations of writers remains indelible.
A Collaborative Cultural Milestone
The translation of Nawen Yug De Waaris into Kashmiri by Mr Kanwal Lidhoo, who is one of the Directors of Kashmir Rechords, marks a significant cultural exchange between two rich literary traditions. This endeavor, led by Mr Lidhoo, represents more than just a linguistic conversion-it is a meeting of minds and histories. Mr Lidhoo, known for his linguistic prowess across several languages including Urdu, Hindi, and English, has focused primarily on translating works into his mother tongue, Kashmiri. This choice demonstrates his commitment to enriching the literary tradition of his homeland by introducing works of great significance from other languages.
A former Senior Producer at All India Radio, Mr Lidhoo’s professional background has allowed him to stay connected with contemporary literary movements as well as the evolving nature of storytelling in a digital world. His extensive experience has earned him great respect in the literary community, and this translation only strengthens his reputation as a skillful and sensitive translator.
The Stories and Themes
Kanwal Lidhoo’s translation includes 25 stories from Sarna’s collection, each reflecting a facet of the human experience. The Partition of India, one of the most traumatic events in South Asian history, forms the backdrop for many stories. Through narratives like Be-Mol Mokhta (“Priceless Pearl”), Akh Waadeh (“One Vow”), Vozul Taangeh (“The Red Tonga”), and Buzargan Henz Panahgah (“Old Age Home”), Sarna explores how this violent divide altered lives and scarred psyches. These stories not only recount the physical and emotional suffering caused by Partition but also delve into the ongoing struggle to heal from that period’s wounds.
Beyond Partition, Sarna’s works also examine the exploitation of marginalized communities and the hypocrisy entrenched in social structures. Stories such as Munshi Dhani Ram, Zolur (“Spider”), and Shor Taas (“Firecracker”) offer sharp critiques of social systems that thrive on inequality. Similarly, Patim Peg (“The Last Peg”), Sartali Band Party (“The Brass Band”), and Jaan Sehat (“Good Health”) hold up a mirror to modern society, exposing the superficiality and contradictions of contemporary life. Sarna’s characters often grapple with the moral ambiguity of their surroundings, caught between personal desires and societal expectations.
Psychological, emotional, and existential themes are explored with great depth and nuance throughout the collection. In stories like Loket Moket Mosoomiyat te Zeh Tuji Khand (“Little Miss Innocence and Two Lumps of Sugar”), Mustaqal Rang (“The Permanence of Dye”), and Godnich Raath (“The First Night”), Sarna delves into the complexities of human emotions-how love, loss, and betrayal shape individual destinies. These narratives probe the very core of human existence, asking difficult questions about the self, relationships, and the meaning of life in a rapidly changing world.
Impact of the Translation
Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo’s translation has done more than just render these stories accessible to Kashmiri readers-it has preserved the cultural ethos of the original work while simultaneously enriching Kashmiri prose. By faithfully capturing the nuances and subtleties of the Punjabi psyche, Mr Lidhoo ensures that the emotional and philosophical depth of Sarna’s stories is not lost in translation. He has managed to transfer not only the words but the very soul of the stories, allowing Kashmiri readers to experience the universal themes that echo across borders and languages.
The translation of Nawen Yug De Waaris into Kashmiri is a significant achievement, highlighting the power of literature to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers. It brings two vibrant literary traditions into conversation with each other, while also offering readers an opportunity to reflect on the shared human condition. This work stands as a monumental contribution to both Punjabi and Kashmiri literature, ensuring that the stories of Mohinder Singh Sarna continue to resonate with new audiences for generations to come.
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