Poonam Saxena Advocates for Recognition of Commercial Hindi Literature in Translation

In the evolving landscape of Indian literature, the role of translators is becoming increasingly vital, particularly when it comes to works that illuminate the richness of regional languages like Hindi. Poonam Saxena, a distinguished translator renowned for her adept translations of significant literary works, emphasizes the importance of recognizing commercial and genre fiction in Indian languages. Her insights come at a time when Hindi literature is gradually carving a niche in global literary circles.

Saxena is perhaps best known for bringing Dharamvir Bharati’s ‘Gunahon Ka Devta’ to English-speaking audiences through her translation titled ‘Chander and Sudha.’ She has also translated works by notable authors such as Rahi Masoom Raza, Mannu Bhandari, and Udayan Vajpeyi, thereby expanding the horizons of Hindi literary expression. Her recent anthology, ‘The Greatest Hindi Stories Ever Told,’ serves as an ambitious attempt to weave together a narrative of Hindi fiction that spans generations, illustrating its evolution and relevance.

In a recent conversation, Saxena reflected on her journey, which began with a strong foundation in English-language education. Growing up in Delhi and later studying at St. Stephen’s College, she was immersed in English literature from a young age. This background, she explains, has shaped her sensitivity towards Hindi literary expression, allowing her to navigate the intricacies of translation with a nuanced perspective.

“The challenge of translation often lies in dealing with the ‘untranslatable’ aspects of language,” Saxena acknowledges. She believes that a translator’s role is multifaceted; it is not merely about converting text from one language to another but involves curating a literary history and preserving the cultural essence embedded in the original works. This archival function is particularly significant in the context of Hindi literature, which has historically faced challenges in gaining international recognition.

Saxena’s advocacy for commercial and genre fiction reflects a broader need to appreciate the diversity of voices in Indian literature. She argues that literature should not be categorized simply into ‘high’ and ‘low’ art, as this distinction often overlooks the contributions of popular narratives that resonate with the masses. By elevating these works, translators like Saxena play a crucial role in promoting a more inclusive view of literary culture, one that acknowledges the richness of stories that have shaped readers’ imaginations in North India and beyond.

Source: scroll.in