KATHMANDU, APRIL 9
Eklai Eklai, Ujjwal Prasai's translation of Manjushree Thapa's All of Us in Our Own Lives into Nepali, was launched in the Capital on April 8.
According to Prasai, he wanted the title to be neither complex nor difficult; he wanted to capture the essence of Buddhism that had influenced Thapa while naming the original work.
"Although eklai eklai are two words, they are still connected even while retaining their individuality."
This is Thapa's first English book to be translated into Nepali. "I feel satisfied and emotional because the characters set in Nepal have come to their own mother tongue," she remarked at the event.
Thapa is known for her books in the English language set in Nepal.
The book, published in 2016, revolves around some of the major events in the history of contemporary Nepal, such as the Gorkha Earthquake of 2015, the declaration of the constitution, among others.
The book launch was followed by a discussion led by Pranika Koyu.
The inclusiveness that the translation has brought will widen the scope of literature for non-English speaking readers as well, remarked author Yug Pathak.
A very interesting thing about Eklai Eklai is the rhythm. As Prasai hails from eastern Nepal, he has tried to add local words used there in the translation.
Another idea that both the writer and the translator emphasised on was 'decolonisation' of the language.
They believe that the Nepali language is way too formal in writings, hence, it must be toned down so that everyone can read the language with the same ease that people speak with.
Koyu, who has read both versions of the book, pointed out the sanitisation by Prasai in some areas, specifically in a section where some youngsters had come across adult magazines.
All three talked about censorship in creativity and if it should be there.
Writer Uma Subedi, who writes fiction in Nepali, was delighted to get a copy of Eklai Eklai. She shared that the joy and satisfaction that Nepali literature provided her with couldn't be tapped by an English one.
A student, Binay Karki, was excited to read the translated book. Another student, Barsha Tamang, however, was sceptical about translated works because she feels the original emotions do not get justified in a different language.
However, Thapa was overjoyed to read the translation, and greatly complimented Prasai for bringing out the book even more beautifully.
As said by Koyu, "Even complex layers of emotions have been beautifully brought to life by Prasai."
"Eklai Eklai is Ujjwal's. It is the translator's," Thapa added.
A version of this article appears in the print on April 10, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
