GUWAHATI: The launch of two famous Assamese novels which have been translated into Bengali has made a rich contribution to both Assamese and Bengali literature. According to a press release, the two translated books, 'Ashime Jaar Haralo Seema' and '1962' were released by the Dr. Anamika Ray Memorial Trust (ARMT) at the Assam Book Fair 2021-22 on Sunday at the Assam Engineering Institute playground in the city.
The books were translated by Dr. Anamika Ray, who was an academician. Although she hailed from Shantiniketan in West Bengal, she mastered the Assamese language. This led her to translate several books of Assamese literature. She taught in Cotton College, Gauhati University and Sikkim Central University.
Formally releasing the book 'Ashime Jaar Haralo Seema', Professor Amalendu Chakrabarty, founder Vice-Chancellor of Rabindranath Tagore University, said, "There is no doubt that the translation of Kanchan Baruah's famous Assamese novel into Bengali is a rich contribution for both Assamese and Bengali readers. It is as important to Bengali readers as to the Assamese novel lovers. The translation will infuse interest in both the Assamese and Bengali researchers for further academic research on this all-time-great novel".
Chakrabarty added that through the publication of this translated book, the translator-writer, Dr. Anamika Ray will live among the readers and her beloved ones forever. "It is no coincidence that the title of this novel and the translator's short life possess the same meaning of losing the limits in infinity. Anamika has to surpass life to make the presence of her creations felt by us," said Chakrabarty.
Brigadier (Rtd.) Ranjit Barthakur stressed the importance of translation while releasing Mrinal Talukdar's war history '1962', as there are few books on the 1962 Indo-China."We did not want to talk about 1962 because we had lost the war. But at an individual level, there were many incidents of brave and commendable acts by our soldiers despite the collective lost on many fronts, including political, military or intelligence level", said Barthakur, who was the former Chairman of Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).
Vice-Chancellor of Cotton University Professor Bhabesh Chandra Goswami, who was the Chief Guest of the programme, expressed his appreciation for the translation of Assamese novels. According to him, such endeavours will not only introduce great Assamese literary works to people across the country, but will also help them to understand the war narrative from Assam's perspective. "It is important for the younger generation to assimilate into their nature the desire to delve deep into war narratives", said Goswami.
Dipak Kumar Baruah, copyright owner of Kanchan Baruah's 'Ashimot Jar Heral Seema', also attended the programme.
In his concluding speech, Vice-Chairman of the Trust Rajat Baran Mahanta spoke about the relevance of both the books in the present context and said that translation of these books in various languages will help in widening their relevance among diverse readers.
"I urge all, especially the Bengali audience, to come and enjoy this great Assamese literary work of all time along with the war history '1962', said Dr. Ankuran Dutta, Managing Trustee of ARMT.
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