English versions of famous Tulu works planned

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 24, 2018: Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy is set to bring out English versions of three famous Tulu works.

Speaking to media Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Chairman A C Bhandary said that the works to be released are: ‘Mittabail Yamunakka - A tale of a Landlord’s Household’, an English adaptation of the Tulu novel ‘Mittabail Yamunakka, by Dr D K Chowta; ‘When Moonlight is very hot’, collection of Tulu work songs and dance songs, adaptation of ‘Beleda Bokka Nalikeda Ajattina Padokulu’ and ‘The Rain Boy’, collection of Tulu folktales, adaptation of ‘Tulutta Ajattina Janapada Katekulu’.

Former vice-chancellor of Haveri Folklore University and folklore scholar Dr K Chinnappa Gowda said that the main objective of the translated works is to provide the essence of Tulu literature to non-Tuluva readers.

‘Mittabail Yamunakka’ is a literary depiction of a traditional Guttu family in Tulunadu and represents three generations of a family. The collection of Tulu folk songs ‘When Moonlight is very hot’ contains 53 songs meant for various occasions. These songs have come down from generations of farming fraternity, through an oral tradition. ‘The Rain Boy’ contains 60 transliterated Tulu folktales, he said.

Dr K Chinnappa Gowda and former professor in History Prof B Surendra Rao have transliterated the Tulu works to English.

The books will be released during a programme to be conducted at the ‘Siri Chavadi’ of Tulu Bhavan at Ashokanagara, Urwa stores, Mangaluru on June 27 at 3.30 pm. Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade will release the books. Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva will be the guest. Kannada and Tulu scholar and Kannada University Hampi, former vice-chancellor Prof B A Vivek Rai, JNU, Kannada Study Chair Professor Dr Purushottam Bilimale will take part. Tulu Academy Chairman A C Bhandary will preside.

Manohar Publishers, New Delhi, has published the works in the sponsorship of Akrithi Ashaya Publishers, Mangaluru, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy and the Kannada Study Chair of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Registrar Chandrahas Rai B, Prof B Surendra Rao and Nagesh Kallur were present in the press meet.