'Reliving Sujatha' in English

The launch of ‘Reliving Sujatha’, a translation of selected short stories and novellas of Tamil writer Sujatha, was nothing like a conventional book launch. In fact, more than the author — Vimala Balakrishnan — it was the enthusiastic fans of Sujatha, who spoke more about the prolific Tamil writer and how he affected their lives. An event, planned as a formal do, turned out to be an emotional discussion about the Tamil writer.

Vimala Balakrishnan said, “I was shocked when someone I know from Kerala didn’t even know about Sujatha. If even people from the neighbouring states are not aware of such a great writer, think about the rest of the country. So, I wanted his splendid works to reach everyone around the nation and the world — that’s why I wanted to translate his works.”

She said translating Sujatha’s works was comparatively easy since his writing is as modern as it can get. “If you take the likes of Vairamuthu and Nanjil Nadan for instance, their writings are very regional, and it would be very difficult for me to translate. On the other hand, Sujatha wrote in a contemporary style and I found it easy.”

Vimala, who is currently based in Delhi, explains, “I am better at English than in Tamil. So, I am expecting feedback and reviews from people who have good sensibility in both the languages.”

The chief guest for the occasion, Sujatha Rangarajan, who had given the nod for the translation, almost instantaneously, had the crowd laughing heartily with her witty speech. “I am a housewife, and Vimala is also one. So, when she asked me I immediately said ‘okay’ to the translation,” she quipped.

The book is being published by Vitasta Publication, which has brought similar translations of classic writers before. S Saraswati , from the publication house, concludes, “I have attended many book launches earlier, but I have never seen such a vibrant and forthcoming crowd anywhere. Usually, people hesitate to speak or ask question during such events, but this launch was full of admirers who eagerly shared their experience with Sujatha’s books.”