Helios Books is launching its series of translations of literary classics from regional literature with Kalki’s Sivakamiyin Sabadham – 1: Paranjyothi’s Journey, translated by Pavithra Srinivasan, onKalki’s birthday, 9 September 2012, 5:30 pm onwards, at C. P. Art Centre (Eldams Road, Alwarpet). Renowned Tamil literatteur Ashokamitran will be launching the book, and internationally acclaimed danseuse Srekala Bharath will receive the first copy. There will also be a book reading, and a panel discussion on ‘Kalki’s Works and the Relevance of their Translations to the Modern World’.
Please join us for high tea at 5 pm. The e-invite is attached – kindly regard this as a personal invitation.
Indian regional literature abounds with treasures that never reach most English readers. As part of its effort to showcase the best of India to the world, Helios Books intends to continue publishing excellent translations of such regional books that have been acclaimed as literary classics. There has always been a regrettably lukewarm reception to such translations earlier – mostly because readers felt that many were too literal, failing to capture the essence of the original. Of late, that trend has changed, and we are confident that this translation of Kalki’s Sivakamiyin Sabadham – 1: Paranjyothi’s Journey will be more than just that – a complete novel on its own, while capturing the essence of Kalki’s words in all its glory. Kalki R. Krishnamurthy’s descriptions, research and style were beyond compare; this translation has made every effort to present it in English, with its Tamil spirit intact.
Kalki’s tale is a celebration of Tamil history, a magnum opus that showcases two of Thamizhagam’s best-known rulers and their accomplishments brilliantly. Pavithra Srinivasan’s translation ensures that Sivakamiyin Sabadham makes a smooth transition from Tamil to English, with its soul intact, and affords its non-Tamil readers the same satisfaction and delight enjoyed by Tamil-speakers worldwide.
This book will be available at all branches of Landmark (in a week’s time) as well as other leading bookstores, including online bookstores like flipkart. It will also shortly be made available as eBook on the Helios Books website www.theheliosbooks.com.
We look forward to seeing you at the launch.