Mangaluru: BA Vivek Rai, former vice-chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi, said that when works by eminent writers like Prof Amrutha Somashekhara are translated into English and other languages, the essence and aroma of Tulu culture spread beyond Tulu Nadu.Speaking at the release of the English translation of Somashekhara’s ‘Gondolu’ and other plays, published by the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy and organised under the auspices of the English, Kannada, and Tulu depts of St Aloysius (Deemed To Be University), he emphasised that a single work can be translated in various ways. “In Western countries, a book can have 10 to 20 different translations, and we should also consider translation as a profession here,” he added.Prof Rai also mentioned the importance of reading, translating, and occasionally staging the works of senior writers and cultural figures to keep their memories alive in people’s minds.Presiding over the event, Rev Dr Praveen Martis, vice-chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), noted that a Tulu department was already established at the university, and there were plans to start a Tulu chair as well.Retired programme coordinator of Akashvani Mangaluru, Muddu Moodubelle, spoke about the uniqueness of Someshwara’s plays.Tharanath Gatti Kapikad, chairman of the Tulu Sahitya Academy, delivered the introductory remarks. MA English students of the college presented the Tulu song ‘Gondolu’ on the occasion.
