GANGTOK,: A five-day national translation
workshop on ‘Translating Children’s Tales from Sikkim: Co-Creation, Critique,
and Collaboration’ was inaugurated at the Tourism Hall here Tuesday.
The
workshop is being organized by the School of Languages and Literature at Sikkim
University, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research
North-Eastern Regional Centre (ICSSR-NERC).
The
programme aims to preserve and promote Sikkim's rich oral traditions by
translating children's tales from various languages.
The
inaugural session was graced by Education minister Raju Basnet as the chief
guest.
Sikkim
University vice-chancellor Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang chaired the event.
Workshop
coordinator Dr. Abrona Lee Pandi Aden extended a warm welcome to all attendees.
The
significant highlight of the event was the release of ‘Folktales from
Sikkim’—series I, a collection of stories translated during the previous
workshop held in September 2022, organized by the English department of Sikkim
University.
Prof.
Sayantan Dasgupta of Jadavpur University, a key contributor to the 2022
workshop, mentioned that the book features tales from Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali,
Limboo, and Hindi languages, transcribed from traditional narratives.
Minister
Raju Basnet expressed his support for the initiative, suggesting that the
translated folktales could be incorporated into school textbooks. He
underscored the significance of these stories in preserving customs, cultures,
and history.
The
vice-chancellor proposed that these tales could be adapted into animations and
cartoons to engage young children effectively. He commended the success of the
2022 workshop and encouraged further recognition for such initiatives beyond
the state level.
The
workshop will feature sessions led by renowned experts and translators,
including collaborative translation sessions and readings. Scholars will delve
into the complexity of translating children's tales, addressing challenges and
exploring innovative approaches.
The
event will conclude on December 7 with a valedictory talk by Sikkim University
assistant professor Dr. Saswati Saha and readings from the translated tales.
