‘Translation helps decolonise minds and nurture multiculturalism, while bringing inclusivity and humanism’

Translation promotes inclusivity, multiculturalism, and understanding different perspectives, breaking patriarchal approaches and broadening mindsets, according to Prof. Mukherjee.

Translations help liberate and decolonise minds, while bringing inclusivity and humanism to safeguard multiculturalism in society, professor of the School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Indrani Mukherjee has said.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a one-week skill development workshop on translation in Indian languages at the Central University of Karnataka near Kalaburagi on Monday, Prof. Mukherjee said that translation of progressive works from different languages across the world into Indian languages will help break patriarchal approaches, monoculture and broaden the mindset of people.

The event was organised by the Central University in collaboration with the National Translation Mission, Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysuru.

“Translation work is one’s interest unless it is sponsored. It helps understand different perspectives and thoughts that have remained unknown. It makes the writer a global citizen. The translator will come to know of many cultures and languages. Language emits and spreads the meanings of different cultures,” she said.

Talking about originality of translation, she said that the end of originality in translation is a myth.

“There is no end to originality. If we take Buddha’s teachings, for example, we no longer talk in his language. We know his original thoughts only through translations. Apart from an act, translation is a theory. It requires understanding the languages and a lot of reading. Translator is like Jack of all trades, master of none,” she said.

Touching upon the history of Indian translation, she said that history of translation of Indian works is linked to the Silk Route.