Madhushala |
a book of Hindi poems by Harivansh Rai Bachchan translated into Manipuri by Kshetri Rajeshwar, Published by Rukamani Devi in 2001 (second edition), Cover illustrated by Y Gunindro, Price Rs 60/-, Page 76. Reviewed by: Konsam Kulladhwaja |
Why does the poet take so much interest in wine? Did he fall addicted to wine? We see our Pacha Meitei who was an addictive writer created drunken hero in his novel Thanil. I doubt, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, the father of Hindi super star, Amitabh Bachchan might have been falling victim of drinking spree. Apart from this matter, this book of poems is really wonderful. The taste of wine itself is the taste of life or the taste of poetry or of any art. Having joie de vivre is the poet's aspiration. So he writes, 'Sweet and delicious imagined ale/having brewed everyday/ This fills the empty pot of the heart/ Extinguishes the fire of thrust /Lifting it with soft and delicate fingers/ I myself take the sips,/ I make myself a drunkard, a peddler/ Converted my body too the wine house". The meaning of life is to enjoy, to fulfill the need of the heart. The most beautiful lines in the book are: ‘See-the Hindu Muslim divide/ Have they shared the glass of wine?/ Have they shared the wine bar?/ Have they got the single taste of wine?/ Lived together they, like sons of the same parent/ Before making pilgrimages to their own sacred houses/ Have they a hatred tempered by temples and Masazids?/ Have they been tied fight with love-knot by the house of wine?". The use of language in Manipuri is skillfully presented by Rajeshwar. The work of translation was ended in 1990. The manuscript was rewritten seven or eight times and finally moulded this book, mentioned the translator in the introductory note. It is worthwhile that this book in Manipuri wins the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in translation works for the year 2000. |
Courtesy: The Sangai Express |
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