Kochi | Namo Bharat Times | Culture Desk
Veteran Malayalam writer and speaker M.P. Sashikumar has stressed the growing importance of translation in connecting people, cultures and ideas in an increasingly interconnected world. Speaking at a literary gathering in Kochi, he said that translation is not merely the conversion of words from one language to another but the careful transmission of emotions, culture and human experience.
Addressing an audience of writers, translators and literature enthusiasts, Sashikumar observed that high-quality translations have the power to introduce great literary works to new generations of readers while strengthening cultural understanding across linguistic boundaries. He noted that translators serve as bridges between civilizations, carrying the soul of a work beyond the limits of its original language.
He also highlighted the need to nurture more skilled translators who can preserve the originality, rhythm and emotional depth of literary works while making them accessible to readers from different linguistic backgrounds.
The programme witnessed the participation of several distinguished literary personalities and members of the translation community, who discussed the evolving role of translation in modern publishing and the increasing opportunities available to regional language literature.
Among those present was Ambika Chandrakumar, Chief Translator at The Alcove Publishers, Gurgaon, who has been actively contributing to the translation of literary works across languages. Her participation reflected The Alcove Publishers’ continued commitment to promoting multilingual literature and ensuring that meaningful stories transcend linguistic boundaries to reach wider audiences.
Speaking on the relevance of literary translation, Ambika Chandrakumar noted that every language carries its own cultural memory, emotions and worldview. She remarked that the true responsibility of a translator is not merely to translate words but to faithfully carry the spirit of the original work into another language without losing its essence.
As Indian publishing continues to expand beyond regional boundaries, literary experts believe that quality translation will play an increasingly significant role in enabling writers to reach national and international readers. The discussions at the event reinforced the idea that translation is not simply a literary exercise—it is an essential cultural bridge that preserves heritage while creating new opportunities for dialogue among diverse communities.
The gathering concluded with a renewed call to encourage young translators and recognise translation as one of the most vital pillars of contemporary Indian literature.
