Just like Allahabad is the point of confluence of three rivers, (Ganga, Yamuna, and the chronically shy Saraswati), a small town in the Nilgiri mountain range is a confluence of three South Indian languages: Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. This town, though officially in Tamil Nadu, is right at the border of both Kerala and Karnataka.… Continue reading How Tagore Bought Me Free Lunch In The Nilgiris
Tag: translation
Happy Independence Day!
I share with you 4 lines I came across in Jaishankar Prasad’s Kaamaayani. (Jaishankar Prasad was an eminent Hindi poet and Kaamaayani is a celebrated mahakaavya of Hindi literature). These are the 4 lines, translated by yours truly – We were not gods, neither are they – All cogs in the wheel of change. Yes,… Continue reading Happy Independence Day!
अगर सुनो तो
तारे जड़े हैं ज़िन्दगी में अंधियारे बिछे हैं ज़िन्दगी में और साँसों की लहर सहला जाती है … अगर सुनो तो ~ वाणी मुरारका इस कविता का अंग्रेज़ी में अनुवाद (मेरे ही द्वारा): stars are studded in our life darkness laid out in our life and the gentle flow of breath, ever soothing… if you… Continue reading अगर सुनो तो
Jeevan Deep
Jeevan Deep there is a light burning in me in the darkness burning bright calm steady in the storm. not triumphant; conquered, no – this light of my being brightens up the world. through drops of water sunrays filter forming a rainbow many-hued and these rays onto the earth make flowers bloom of many hues… Continue reading Jeevan Deep
trees, me and everyone
not trees, raised arms
of the earth are these
seeking blessings every day
for you and me
~ translation from original in Hindi by Marudhar Mridul
বিনয় (humbleness)
a learned philosopher once came to town
the town-folk ran for some knowledge to own
…