Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 27:

His Excellency Rudiger G Lemp, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany released the Nepali version of Nobel Laureate Hermann Hesse’s ‘Siddhartha’ on April 27 at Hotel Gangjong, Lazimpat. The launch programme was organised by the Herman Hesse Society Nepal 2000 and was attended by senior poets Tulsi Diwas and Manjul, senior writer DB Bhandari, novelist Gita Keshari, historian Man Froyd Troy, artist Hari Bansa Kirat and human rights activist Rajesh Gautam among others.

At the function His Excellency Rudiger G Lemp stated, “What we have now is a well translated version of ‘Siddhartha’. With the release of this book we hope that the relations between Nepal and Germany will be better strengthened in the coming years. This book will bring the two countries even closer.” Now Nepali readers can go through the noble piece because of the hard work of Ramesh Adhikari and Charan Pradhan — the translators. It took them six months to finish translating from the original work, which is in German.

Adhikari said, “I started reading Hesse 18 years back and ‘Siddhartha’ has always been my personal favourite. It touched my heart.” This is the first time that the duo have translated a book. “Translating requires following another’s footsteps. But world-class literature should be translated as much as possible to provide readers all over the world an opportunity to enjoy such works,” said Pradhan.

Adhikari and Pradhan have made an effort to be the voice of Hesse and spread his wisdom, philosophy, beliefs and understanding of life. The translated version of ‘Siddhartha’ is adapted to Nepali culture, values and ideology. Most Nepalis will easily understand the story line and appreciate the literature. Historian Man Froyd Troy said, “Translation has become a scientific discussion. Translating is not easy but both the translators have performed their duty perfectly without distorting the meaning of the original ‘Siddhartha’.” Manjul stated that many years back he had read ‘Siddhartha’ and was so influenced by it that he decided to learn German. He further said, “Till date ‘Siddhartha’ has been translated in many languages. It now feels good to know that Nepalis can read and enjoy Hesse’s ‘Siddhartha’ in their own language.”