Vivid and Vibrant

Translation is an art to catch firmly and hold on to the pulsation, elasticity, little thrills and sensibility of another language. It is difficult but as a literary genre, it fulfils, for it not only enriches but also expands limits of perceptive ethos and extraction of a different culture and heritage. Naturally, the choice of poets and lyrics restricts but if one scrutinizes Telugu’s verses as Dr Rao selects, these speak of the multi-dimensional perspective in treatment of life and he does it in his inimitable style and phrase. Looking into the diversities of Indian civilizing legacy and its native unity, it is difficult if not possible to reach the cadenced nuances and idiom of another language if it is not mother tongue but that too, creates genuine irritants. However, to read lyrics of Telugu poets of last thirty odd years in English is a satisfying experience where poets talk of life and existence in totality as they underline social, economic and political statements. At the same time, psychosomatic and philosophic anxieties distress even as they feel certain disquiet when tenuous human relations crawl into life and challenge. It makes lyrics authentic and offers another gratifying experience - a classic journey it is. – P.C.K. Prem Poetry gives an insight into the civilization while gives a peep into one. It is a difficult to describe vivid and vast India in only one language. In a multilingual country like ours translation is a necessity. If one wishes to see India speaking in different tongues, here is an opportunity; if one wishes to feel India in many hues here is an opportunity; if one wishes to enjoy India in many shades here is an opportunity. VVB Rama Rao has spread before us a feast of the best dishes, the gems of Telugu poetry during the quarter of a century. Though translated one can still get the flavour of the original as they have been rendered into English whose mother tongue is Telugu and whose passion and profession was English. – Susheel Kumar Sharma