Thiruvananthapuram, NFAPost: Gatha C, a teacher by profession and social activist, published Malayalam translation of Tamil poet Veyil’s Octopus’ Love on Friday in Thiruvananthapuram. The book is a collection of poems and is named as ‘Octopusin Kathal’.
The book was released by former MLA and CPIM leader M Swaraj by handing over the book copy to writer and social activist Prof Muse Mary George. The event was organised at the Lenin Balawadi in the presence of Tamil Poet Veyil.
Speaking at the book release, former MLA and CPIM leader M Swaraj said book translation is a right effort of a writer to give familiarity to new authors from various language to a native reader. He also lauded the name of the book as octopus (called neerali in Malayalam) is soft-bodied, eight-limbed mollusc which can move around easily and once its limbs are cut it will grow again.
“Like octopus ever growing nature, the book title makes it very clear that love towards a person can’t be removed even if we try to do it. That relationship will grow again and again only. Here we have to understand octopus is an intelligent and emotional mollusc with three hearts . Here, we know Tamil Poet Veyil is attracting more readers in his language. Gadha’s transational will further fuel the growth of his followers in Kerala also,” said former MLA and CPIM leader M Swaraj.
Veyil, born in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, is a poet who writes modern poems in Tamil. A journalist turned writer, Veyil uses folk elements and images of rural life in his poetry. Besides Bhuvana Aasi, the published works of Veyil include ‘Kuttrathin Rugamam’, ‘Sister’s Bones’, ‘The Big Fat Flower Eater ‘, etc.
Veyyil’s poems naturally brought folk images and basic myths into modern poetry. He is one of the most important creators of the aesthetics of basic life in modern poetry. His musings on oppressed classes and fight against the impact of the social phenomenon of globalization gave him a left wing ideaologue. Currently based out Chennai, Veyyil is working with Vikidan Junion Magazine.
Expressing happiness over accepting of the Malayalam translation of the book, Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission (KKEM) Director Dr P S Sreekala said it is a great effort on the writers’ part to translate the book and place a new milieu in the minds of their readers.
“Translation of a book is also creative work as in our society this literary genre is not getting that much awards and recognition. Gatha has done justice to her work and I am happy to accept this book since I have a long association with her,” said Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission (KKEM) Director Dr P S Sreekala.
Gatha C said the book is her first attempt in translating modern Tamil poems and it was a great experience while taking up the responsiblity of Veyil books translation.
“The greatest challenge faced was finding the exact Malayalam word for certain Tamil words while translating the Tamil poem. I thank all well-wishers, the publishers and the artist who did the designing and drawing part of the book,” said Gatha C.
V Seethammal Teacher explained the translated book to the audience with an overview of both the Tamil writer and translator Gadha C. The event was presided by writer Ajeesh Dasan, and Santhosh Venjaramood welcomed the audience. Madathara Sughathan delivered vote of thanks speech. The book is published by Backlash Publica.
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