PRELUSION TO 'ACROSS THE BORDER'

                                                                

PRELUSION TO 'ACROSS THE BORDER'

    PRELUSION 

It gives me fathomless pleasure to present voracious Poetry lovers all over the world 'Across the Border', my English transversion of Rajasthani Poetry. This is my seventh translation work in Rajasthani. Prior to it, books of solo authors had been trans-verted by me. I have no hitch in admitting that it was a bit tough job, as translating so many poets, with different mind set ups involves a challenge to dive deep for fathoming their minds. Translator has to correctly capture the meaning of the source content and ensure accuracy in terms of language and style. And when, it comes to translating work of so many literary dignitaries, responsibility multiplies.

This English version offers a variety of emotion and thought processes of 51 poets, contributing passionately for enrichment of Rajasthani Literature. The collection includes mature blossoms as well as budding poets. Glorious past of Rajasthani Literature reflects in poetry of seasoned poets and new realms of thought are expressed beautifully in poems of emerging poets. This collection also includes some poets who have been writing since long and enriching Rajasthani literature with their sensibility, lofty thoughts and deep perception, but are not having any solo published book as yet. 

Translation allows literature to travel, meaning writers can speak out across generations and cultures. Translation is generally perceived as communication between two languages; it works as a bridge. It is necessary for spreading new information, knowledge and ideas across the world.

I have spent 35 beautiful years of my life in Bikaner. Cultural values of Rajasthan, its traditions, festivities and humane values have left a deep impact on my mind. Distinct beauty of Rajasthan has always been a fascination for me. 

Sand with its golden, sunny appearance and scanty vegetation creates a distinct land of beauty, so peaceful and inviting. Halloo of sand, we can experience in picturesque poem of Mangat Badal

' Sand is in love with water/ Perhaps you are not familiar with it/ It is known to trees of Khejree and phogala/ Or else Rohira knows about it/ Who smilingly sings even during/ Black and yellow sand storm/ Songs of sensibility of sand/ Sand is not mere sand/ Hitherto, you will find colourful fancies

Setting Sun, with its glory is beautifully captured by literary icon Meethesh Nirmohi 

In a setting golden evening/ Bare feet sunk in/ Cool, soft sand/That incredible sensation/ While descending from/ Peak of sand dunes/I entrust you with

This treat for eyes is a treat for mind as well.

In this collection, you will catch glimpse of rural life, domesticity chores, bonds of affection in family and society, rituals and festivities

Poem of Nand Bhardwaj portrays dawn time so exquisitely 

You awake in wee hours/ On your own/And start grinding/ On grinding wheel/ With rhythm produced by it/ The home-yard manages dawn/On its own/ On embracing morning by you/ Whole courtyard awakens

Glimpse of rural life, love-legends, pangs of separation, waiting incessantly for beloved, bonds of affection are meticulously penned by budding poets as well. Concern for saving environment, nurturing human-values, upliftment of down-trodden, raising voice against casteism and tyranny on females is voiced emphatically. Supporting cause of girls' education, protest against war, corruption is need of hour and poets of Rajasthan are well-aware of it. They don't sing laurels of past only, but keep their vigilant eyes on obsolete customs and traditions and expose their hollowness , with a noble intention to inject rationality in public conduct.

Many a times, I share my translated poems from Rajasthani into English on social media and the response is amazing. I will like to quote one such review about these translated poems, by Jud Bowness, Poet from Boston.

" Rajni Chhabra, I must thank you for your wonderful translations; they allow me to share in your culture's mindset. I appreciate and honor all the beautiful people and cultures in this world.

Bravo to you!

Sister, it's the strength you give and share

That makes me and your world stronger for the true goal

Peace, equality, freedom

That make us all better for doing the right thing"

Such comments from India and abroad boost my spirits and I feel motivated to write as well as translate continually.

I have put my best efforts to retain fervour of original poems of Rajasthani and it will be a matter of immense satiety if these trans-verted poems of mine transcend linguistic and geographical borders and get further translated in regional as well as International languages.

Rajni Chhabra

Multi-lingual Poetess, polyglot and Numerologist