Shyam Pradhan is a veteran writer and translator who has brought many historical and popular Hindi and Bengali literature to the Nepali audience. In the past, he collaborated with Sajha Prakashan to publish short stories and novels by one of India’s most celebrated writers, Premchand. Moreover, it was under his penmanship that Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic romance novel ‘Devdas’ reached the Nepali audience. Most recently, Pradhan translated the autobiography of India’s first president, Rajendra Prasad.

In this interview with the Post via email, Pradhan talked about his journey of translating Hindi and Bengali books into Nepali. Moreover, he also highlights the importance of reading translated literature, as it encourages a form of ‘globetrotting’—the ability to travel across the world and become familiar with many cultures while staying in a single place.

Can you tell us about your favourite reads? What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading the newly published ‘Chhapakkai Manma Basekaharu’ by Ganesh Rasik. I’m fond of historical, humorous, and romantic stories and poems, so I am drawn to these genres more than others.

Some works I enjoy reading by my favourite writers are: ‘Kalo Surya’ by Bharat Jangam, ‘Basanti’ by Diamond Shumsher Rana, ‘Tin Ghumti’ and ‘Sumnima’ by Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, ‘Marubhumika Katha’ by Keshari Bajracharya, ‘Gitanjali’ by Rabindranath Tagore, and ‘Anuradha’ by Bijay Malla.

You’ve translated many Hindi and Bengali language books into Nepali. How did you learn the two languages?

I spent my childhood and my schooling years in Bengal, India. That’s why I’ve always had a good grip on both Hindi and Bengali languages. Eventually, when I landed a gig at Sajha Prakashan, I translated Hindi and Bengali literature into Nepali.

Can you tell us more about your first translation gig?

In 2009, Sajha decided to publish 13 short stories by Premchand, the pioneer in Hindi and Urdu social fiction writer. They approached me to work as a translator. I was pretty nervous, but I stuck to my guns and worked hard. When the book finally published, it received good feedback, which increased my confidence.

This made me realise there is a good audience for translated Hindi literature, so I decided to focus on the field.

Is there any book that you want to translate for Nepali readers?

When I was studying in India, like many students at the time, I was influenced by the autobiography of politician Rajendra Prasad, India’s first president. His sensitivity in dealing with issues on class, caste, and religion was so commendable and inspiring that even then, I was convinced that everybody, especially Nepalis, should read his biography. That became my passion project, and I started working on the translation in 2015. Thanks to Oriental, the publisher, it has finally hit the bookshelves after eight long years.

In your opinion, what is the quality of translated literature in Nepal?

It’s difficult to generalise the state of translated literature here in Nepal. Veteran translators like Professor Govinda Raj Bhattarai, who received his PhD in translated literature from Hyderabad University, have continuously given Nepali translations quality and finesse. Experienced translators ensure that a translated work is contextual and interesting to non-native readers without losing the essence of the material. Moreover, Nepal Academy also has a dedicated section for translated literature. So clearly, translated literature is valued here.

If the subject matter is powerful, the book will surely be a hit among readers, no matter which language it’s published in. From the ones I’ve worked on, the short story collection by Premchand is currently in its fourth edition. But it’s also about how familiar the market is with good writers.

What can we do to introduce Nepali literature to international audiences?

Languages like French and English are written and spoken in many countries. This means a lot of literature is produced in these languages. We must bring celebrated and influential literature written in English and French to Nepal. The same thing should happen vice-versa.

By bringing in expert translators to translate iconic Nepali literature into English, international audiences can become familiar with works in our language too. This can also give Nepali literature enough traction to help facilitate translations into other languages. I’m not implying that Nepali literature is nonexistent in the international arena. However, more needs to be done.

Though Nepali books have been translated into Hindi, our reach isn’t very strong. What can we do to change that?

To increase our reach in the Indian market, publishers and translators here must carefully study the interest and demand of Indian readers. Just recently, Chuden Kabimo’s short story collection ‘Fatsung’ was translated into Hindi by Namrata Chaturvedi under the title ‘Kahani Mitti Ki.’ This was received quite well by readers. Similarly, a few years ago, Sikkimise translator Chandra Prasad Giri worked on Jhamak Ghimire’s ‘Jiwan Kada Ki Phool’ released in Hindi as ‘Jiwan Kata Ya Phool.’ Published by Delhi’s National Book Trust, this book, too, did rather well in the market.

Lastly, how can we get young individuals to read more?

To increase young people’s interest in books, first, we have to observe the skills, ideas and interests they have and write on subject matters that are relevant to them. Moreover, we should also create an environment where books are available nationwide and not just in cities. Books should be made affordable, and there should be an increase in public libraries. Moreover, developing events and schemes encouraging young people to read is just as important. We must remember that young people are the driving force of society and have the power to change the course of history. Society will inherently benefit from well-read young individuals.

Shyam Pradhan’s book recommendations:

Dash Gajama Ubhiyera

Author: Ganesh Rasik

Year: 2008

Publisher: Shangri-la Books

We often think that big incidents are the only things worth remembering. But that’s not true. In fact, smaller memories are the ones that leave behind more profound memories. This book talks about such moments.

Siddhartha

Author: Herman Hesse

Year: 1951 (in English)

Publisher: New Directions

Hesse’s novel talks about the paths that a person can take to find meaning in life. Because of its simplistic language and style, it’s one of the most translated books in the world.

Shirishko Phool

Author: Parijat

Year: 1964

Publisher: Sajha Prakasan

This book experiments with the ideas of nihilism. It has also been translated into English as ‘Blue Mimosa’ and is taught at Maryland University.

Teen Ghumti

Author: Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala

Year: 1968

Publisher: Sajha Prakashan

This book delves into the idea of identity. It is the story of a woman who makes three radical decisions: to marry a man not approved by her parents, to enter an extramarital affair and to live alone with her child.

Alikhit

Author: Dhruba Chandra Gautam

Year: 1983

Publisher: Sajha Prakashan

This book has it all, from dark humour to fantasy. ‘Alikhit’ imagines a fictional village in Tarai called Birhinpur Barewa, and the story revolves around its unusual inhabitants.

Basanti

Author: Diamond Shumsher Rana

Year: 1948

Publisher: Sajha Prakashan

I like the style in which ‘Basanti’ is written. Its historical, social and political awareness are also quite remarkable. Everyone should read the book at least once in their life.