( Kashmir Rechords Reporter)

Sahitya Akademi, Delhi  has recently  released Nawen Yug De Waaris, the celebrated Punjabi short story collection by Mohinder Singh Sarna, now masterfully translated into Kashmiri by renowned translator Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo, who is currently one of the Directors of Kashmir Rechords. This  Kashmiri translation represents a unique cultural bridge between Punjab and Kashmir, showcasing a shared legacy of storytelling that resonates with both regions.

Originally published in 1991, Nawen Yug De Waaris is regarded as a landmark in Punjabi literature, receiving the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award. The collection explores a wide range of themes, including the tragedy of Partition, exploitation of the marginalized, psychological struggles and moral crises, all of which continue to resonate with today’s global issues.

Mohinder Singh Sarna: A Master Storyteller

Born in 1923 at  Rawalpindi , Punjab of British India,  Mohinder Singh Sarna’s stories capture the human condition, blending dark realities with undertones of hope. His works reflect the erosion of moral values in contemporary society, yet they also offer glimpses of human resilience. As a revered figure in Punjabi literature, Sarna’s prolific output includes short stories, novels, essays, and epics that have enriched the Punjabi literary tradition.

Mohinder Singh Sarna who passed away in 2001, was an Indian civil servant and novelist who wrote in the Punjabi language and  won the 1994 Sahitya Akademi Award for his short story collection Nawen Yug De Waris,now available in Kashmiri ( thanks to the efforts of Mr Lidhoo). He is the father of diplomat Navtej Sarna, also  an Indian author, columnist and former Indian Ambassador to the United States having  previously served as the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, and the Ambassador to Israel.

Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo: The Accomplished Translator

The Sahitya Akademi entrusted the translation of Nawen Yug De Waaris to Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo, a renowned translator proficient in Urdu, English, and Hindi, but primarily focused on translating into his native Kashmiri. Lidhoo’s background includes over three decades of service as a Senior Producer at All India Radio and he is currently one of the  Directors at Kashmir Rechords. His skillful translation of Sarna’s stories reflects his deep linguistic knowledge and cultural sensitivity.

Exploring Universal Themes Through Kashmiri Translation

Lidhoo’s translation of Punjabi masterpiece includes 25 stories, many of which delve into the lasting scars of Partition, societal exploitation, and modern hypocrisies. Notable stories include Be-Mol Mokhta (“Priceless Pearl”), Akh Waadeh (“One Vow”), Vozul Taangeh (“The Red Tonga”), and Buzargan Henz Panahgah (“Old Age Home”), which echo the divisive effects of Partition. Other stories like Munshi Dhani Ram and Zolur (“Spider”) tackle societal issues, while works such as Patim Peg (“The Last Peg”) and Sartali Band Party (“The Brass Band”) critique modern life.

The Kashmiri Translation of Nawen Yug De Waaris captures the psychological depth and existential questions posed by Sarna’s stories, making them accessible to Kashmiri readers.

On October 6, 2024, Daily Excelsior, a prominent newspaper in Jammu and Kashmir, published a detailed write-up on the translation of Mohinder Singh Sarna’s Nawen Yug De Waaris into Kashmiri. The newspaper praised the translation for retaining the essence of Sarna’s themes while enriching Kashmiri literature.

Lidhoo’s translation of Nawen Yug De Waaris is not his first significant contribution to literature. He previously translated Samay Matrika, a 10th-century Sanskrit work by Ksemendra, into Kashmiri. This monumental project took nearly eight years and was the first translation of its kind into the Kashmiri language.

In addition,  Kanwal Lidhoo has translated several other works, including Sahitya Akademi’s Hum Kaal Sindhi Afsana Sombran and the Indian Institute of Languages’ publication Hindustaenie Falsafekie Khad-o-Khal, and a  Kashmiri translation of Outlines of Indian Philosophy by renowned Professor M. Hiriyanna.

A Legacy of Excellence

Lidhoo, accredited by both the Sahitya Akademi and the Indian Institute of Languages, has a distinguished career as a translator and a veteran broadcaster. His contributions to Kashmiri, Urdu, and Hindi literature through translations, monographs, and his work with All India Radio have solidified his reputation as a literary figure.

His translation of Nawen Yug De Waaris into Kashmiri represents a significant cultural and linguistic achievement, bringing Punjabi literature closer to Kashmiri readers while preserving the universal themes of human experience.