Reading regional literature

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The Sahitya Akademi awards books in regional languages every year. At my last count there were award winners across 18 languages.

A quick fact check and background on the Akademi and awards can be googled. The intent of this article is not to spread awareness about the award. Instead I would like to focus on what the award is for i.e books and writing.

One heartening feature over the last decade has been the rise of books published in English by Indian writers on topics related to India. A good book leads to introspection and insights. A way of understanding our country is to read books, understand the literature of that country.

But to understand contemporary India, English writing won’t suffice,it’s important to read regional literature to gain an insight into that state , mindset and issues.

Why can’t the Akademi translate each year,s winners into English?

  1. It would open the market up for regional writers
  2. It would open up minds of youngsters across states to the diversity and unity that s our country
  3. It would bridge the gap between the English and Vernacular (this is the worst divide, where English speakers reserve a sneering elitism of “verniers” being an insult. Not that the compliment is not returned from the other side,” angrez gaye par baache peeche chod gaye” )
English classics are translated in all languages, high time that the opposite too

P.s a quick google search lead to this






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