New Delhi: Calling upon literary institutions
to ensure translation of both popular and award-winning
literature in various Indian languages, President Pratibha
Patil today said that this would ensure their reach in all
parts of the country.
On the occasion of honouring Hindi poet Kunwar Narain
with the 41st Jnanpith Award for the year 2005, Patil said,
"Honoured literary works should be translated in other Indian
languages so that they reach everybody. Though translation of
literature is not easy, I know that Bhartiya Jnanpith will
fulfill these duties."
Underlining that importance of literature in building
prosperous nations, she said, "while cheap literature plunges
nations into the depths of immorality, good literature plays a
major role in nation building, it gives hope to humanity. How
can an ideal society be formed if there is no literature."
"Literature which is in the common man's language,
inspires an entire nation to tread the path of righteousness.
That is why the sayings of Kabir, Soordas and the Ramayana are
popular even today," Patil said.
Highlighting the achievements of Kunwar Narain, Patil
said that the poet not only writes poetry, but has also
contributed through his writings on cinema, music, art and
also history.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, October 06, 2009, 22:57