PESHAWAR: Speakers at a book launching ceremony here on Sunday urged writers to translate quality stuff of the world classics for enriching Pashto language and literature.

They said that rendition from other languages brought along motivation and new ideas.

They lauded the Pashto rendition of ‘Siddhartha’ for its impressive narration and imbibing style.

The Pashto rendition of celebrated novel ‘Siddhartha’ by noted German poet, fictionist and painter Herman Hesse was launched under the auspices of Mafkoora at its main hall. Poets, writers and bibliophiles attended the function in a large number.

Rendered in Pashto by Shaheen Buneri, the book is spread over 148 pages. It narrates the story of self-discovery of a man ‘Siddhartha.’ Originally written in German, it was later rendered into several languages since its first publication of its English version in 1951.

The speakers said that such quality translations from world classics were required to enrich Pashto literature and inspire new ideas for budding literati.

They said that the central theme of the novel was that knowledge could be transferred but one had to struggle for seeking wisdom.

“It is the story of spiritual journey of a young Hindu Brahmin, who comes out successful to know the true meaning of life and death. It is retold in simple, fluent and crispy Pashto by Shaheen Buneri in such a manner that readers cannot but to read it till its end,” said the speakers.

Prof Samiuddin Arman in his remarks said that translation helped people to get introduced with other cultures and gave a world view to know different shades of philosophy, politics, society and traditions that ultimately led to a peaceful co-existence and pluralistic human relations.

He said that the Pashto rendition of Siddhartha would lend an added beauty to Pashto literary corpus and would instill a spirit of introducing new concepts and ideas among young writers.

Hayat Roghani, chief of Mafkoora, on the occasion said that his organisation would continue to encourage poets, writers and translators.

He said that no language could progress without interaction with other world lingos and it could be best done through the art of translation but in a befitting manner.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2021