Telugu Book on Naina Devi Released

Hyderabad: Vidya Rao’s ‘Heart to Heart — Remembering Nainaji’, which was released in 2011 in English, was translated into Telugu as ‘Manasu Nunchi Manasuki — Nainaji Smaranalo’ by the legendary writer Volga. It was released at an impressive function in Ravindra Bharathi here on Saturday.

Author and classical dancer Vidya Rao, translator, poet and writer Volga, Kuchipudi dancer Yashoda Thakore and publisher Purnima Tammireddy held a panel discussion to mark the book launch.

Vidya Rao said that the book belonged everywhere and nowhere and it was a good thing. When asked about why she didn't write a biography about Naina Devi, she said that Naina Devi was her guru, and if she wrote a biography, "it becomes official. It's what I have seen and understood honestly. But this is not the final word."

Volga said that she had read this book a long time back and it was magical. She said that she had emailed Vidya Rao about translating the book into Telugu. She said that it was very difficult to translate the book as the kind of introspection used in the book was a herculean task.

Volga further said that it is “our duty to inform the future generations about the struggles women of those generations faced to live a life”. She added that today's women should find a due place in history.