Book Brahma fest opens with conversation between languages

Book Brahma Literature Festival opened in Bengaluru on Friday with a thought-provoking discussion on linguistic dynamics and cultural identity. The inaugural session, titled “Linguistic Hegemony: Indian Languages and the Federal Imagination,” featured prominent academics, writers, and translators engaging in a nuanced debate over the role of language in shaping societal narratives and individual perspectives. Among the panellists were M.S. Ashadevi, an academic and translator known for her work on classical Kannada texts, O.L. Nagabhushana Swamy, a noted Kannada writer and translator, Keshava Guha, an English-language author and critic, and N.S. Madhavan, a scholar of comparative literature. The session took place at the St. John’s Auditorium in Koramangala, drawing attendees eager to explore the intersections of language, power, and creativity. Ashadevi emphasized the challenges of translating works by poets like Akka Mahadevi, arguing that the difficulty lies not in the temporal distance of the text but in its intellectual depth. She described the process of translation as requiring a deep engagement with the socio-cultural context of the original work. “To translate her, one must engage in a dialogue with her, understand the complexities of her worldview,” she explained. Her remarks underscored the idea that translation is not merely a linguistic exercise but a cultural and philosophical act. Swamy, meanwhile, focused on the practical difficulties of translating Kannada literature into English. He noted that while translating into Kannada allows for greater creative freedom, the reverse process often involves navigating the psychological barriers associated with English. “English feels like a powerful relative who sometimes makes others feel inadequate,” he remarked, highlighting the emotional weight carried by language in everyday interactions. Guha challenged the notion of English as a colonial relic, asserting that for younger generations, it serves more as a tool for economic mobility and international communication. “For today’s youth, English is not linked to Britain or its history,” he stated. However, he also pointed out that English lacks the institutional support enjoyed by regional languages, which have robust literary traditions and cultural institutions. “Each state has its own literary ecosystem, whereas English does not,” he added, suggesting that this disparity affects both the production and reception of literature in the language. Madhavan brought attention to the impact of migration on language acquisition, citing examples of laborers from states like Madhya Pradesh and Bihar learning Hindi to interact with locals in Kerala, while their children learn English to access better educational opportunities. He viewed this phenomenon as a positive example of how cross-cultural interaction can foster linguistic understanding. “Language problems can be resolved through mutual effort and shared goals,” he observed. The festival, organized by writer and festival director Satish Chapparike, aims to celebrate the richness of Indian literature, particularly from the South. In his opening remarks, Chapparike praised the diversity of Indian languages and cultures, framing them as assets rather than obstacles. “India has always been a land of many voices, many stories, and many ways of looking at the world,” he said, reinforcing the festival’s mission to bring these diverse perspectives together. The first day of the three-day event also included a solo session by actor and director Ramesh Aravind on the theme “Every journey deserves to be told,” as well as a special screening of the film Vagachi Pani directed by Natesh Hegde. These activities, combined with multiple panel discussions, set the stage for a vibrant exploration of language, literature, and identity throughout the festival.