Karnataka - Bangalore

53 translated works released

BANGALORE: Principal Secretary to the Department of Kannada and Culture I.M. Vittalamurthy said the Government would convene a comprehensive meeting of those concerned for exploring the possibilities of streamlining the translations and publications of important works by government-sponsored academies.

Mr. Vittalamurthy was speaking at the release of translated version of 53 books, including the classics such as Somadeva’s Sanskrit work Kathasarithsagara and Will Durant’s The Story of Civilisation, brought out by the Karnataka Anuvada Sahitya Academy here on Thursday.

Responding to a suggestion made by noted critic C.N. Ramachandran that the Government should evolve a policy for avoiding the duplication of translation and publication of important works, Mr. Vittalmurthy said the Government would consider the suggestion.

Mr. Vittalmurthy said it was heartening to note that the Government had provided enhanced outlay of Rs. 143.59 crore, including Rs. 41 crore for the “promotion of Kannada and culture in the budget.

Besides it had provided Rs. 12.5 crore for heritage conservation and Rs. 1 crore each towards the publication of important works of Kannada literature (centenarian Kannada writers) and holding the Janapada Jaatre.

“The funds should be utilised discreetly for the purpose,” he added.

Referring to the Bhasha Bharati programme, he said the Rs. 2.75-crore building would be inaugurated shortly. The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore and writer D. Javare Gowda, scholar L.S. Seshagiri Rao and the retired DGP (Intelligence) and scholar P.S. Ramanujam spoke on the importance of translation for the development of Kannada and the challenges involved in translation.

Welcoming the gathering, academy chairman Pradhan Gurudatt explained the objectives and future plans of the academy. Director of Kannada and Culture Manu Baligar spoke.

Academy registrar Narayanaswamy proposed a vote of thanks.

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