The Indian regional literature, including Hindi, is filled with some absolutely brilliant pieces of writings. There have been writers who have created magic on the piece of dead wood, and there still are few who continue to do so in hidden books of this vast country.
But the majority of them lie undiscovered on the world level. They do not receive the due praises and acclamation and that is because of the language gap.
There are very few books that have been translated into English from Hindi or other language, but largely these are selected and most popular book of that language.
Indian regional language is not limited to Premchand in Hindi, and Satyajit Ray in Bengali, but it seems like that when it comes to their English translation.
Even the books that have been considered as greatest of their respective times didn’t get what it deserved. They remain limited to very few people who are reads of that niche.
Hindi books that should be translated immediately –
- Maila Aanchal by Phanishwar Nath Renu
Considered to be the work in language after Godan, this book struck the chords with readers. Its sad that this one of the most significant Hindi novel haven’t been translated yet.
- Gayab Hota Des by Rajendra
Set in Jharkhand, what starts of as a crime thriller, asks the important question: What makes the nation? The books answers question we ask in our everyday lives. This gem hasn’t been translated for some unknown reasons.
- Zindaginama by Krishna Sobti
The book is set amidst the field of Punjab during the world war 2. An honest, gripping, and heart-wrenching tale of a small village and the villagers. This has everything it takes to go global. But well, no translation yet.
Why is it important?
There must be few books which happen to be your favorite that makes you feel fortunate about the fact that it was translated into English from the original version. There are many books which you might or might not know about that had been translated into English, like,
The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho (originally written in Portuguese)
IQ84 written by Hanuka Murakami (originally written in Japanese)
Perfume written by Patrick Süskind (originally written in German)
And the list goes on. English translation of books from national or regional language is the most crucial part which is a deciding factor that whether or not book can be globally renowned. English is a world language, and to be read across the globe, to be known, have presented in front of the whole world English translation in must.
Having a book in English opens up a world of possibilities.