Penguin India recently unveiled the English translation of Jayanath Pati’s Magahi novel “Fool Bahadur,” translated by renowned poet and diplomat Abhay K. This event, held at IIC, celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Bihari literature and its global significance.
‘Fool Bahadur’ holds a special place in Indian literature, and Abhay K’s meticulous translation ensures that its essence is preserved while making it accessible to a wider audience. Through this translation, readers around the world are presented with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating narrative crafted by Jayanath Pati.
“The publication of the English translation of ‘Fool Bahadur’ as a Penguin modern classic marks a significant high point in the history of Magahi language and literature, which has a very rich literary history. I hope that my translation of the first Magahi novel will pave the path for more translations from Magahi and other languages of Bihar such as Angika, Bajjika, Bhojpuri, Maithili and Surjapuri among others,” rejoiced Abhay K.
The launch event featured a panel discussion and readings by Abhay K, providing insights into the significance of “Fool Bahadur” within the context of Bihari literature and its relevance in contemporary society. The panelists included noted Indian filmmaker Suraj Kumar, acclaimed writer Vandana Rag, Milee Ashwarya, Publisher – Penguin India, and journalist Aditi Chakraborty. The moderator for the session was Murtaza Ali Khan, cultural writer and critic.
“Bihar has a very rich literary tradition and Abhay K’s meticulous translation of Fool Bahadur into English gives us a rare sneak peek into the treasure trove of Bihari literature. The story of Fool Bahadur is not just compelling in a literary sense but what’s really exciting is that it also holds a great promise when seen from the point of view of cinematic storytelling,” opined Suraj Kumar.
This interactive session aimed to foster intellectual exchange and dialogue, highlighting the diversity and richness of Indian literature.