Bhubaneswar: A two-day international seminar on ‘Decolonizing Translation’ was organised by the Department of English at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar on March 27 and 28. The seminar, which was sponsored by WB-OHEPEE, attracted a host of literary experts from across the nation and outside.
The session began with opening remarks and warm welcome by the Seminar Director and head of the department Dr. Tanutrushna Panigrahi followed by an insightful overview of the seminar’s objectives by the Seminar Convener Prof. Asima Ranjan Parhi.
The inaugural address was delivered by Gourhari Das, the noted Odia literateur, which set the tone of the seminar. Das highlighted the importance of translating Odia literature not only into global languages but also into several other Indian languages.
The inaugural session concluded with Pulastya Jani, faculty of the department, extending sincere gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, the coordinator WB-OHEPEE, the seminar organising committee and others.
The Keynote Session chaired by Prof. Himanshu S. Mohapatra featured an illuminating virtual address by Alvin Pang from Singapore who provided invaluable insights into the theme of decolonizing translation with his presentation titled “From Global South to Global Mouth.”
The session was followed by an Invited Talk, chaired by Dr. Sambit Panigrahi, Professor of English, Ravesnhaw University, Cuttack. The talk by Manu Dash, shedding light on different perspectives in the realm of translation from the point of conception to consumption.
On the second day of the seminar, Professor Jatindra Kumar Nayak, the invited speaker delved into the various approaches to interpreting translated works, emphasizing the significance of translation history over translation theory. He proposed that translation constitutes an act of intervention, highlighting the space occupied by translated works within mainstream literature. The session was chaired by Dr Madhusmita Pati, Professor of English, Ramadevi University.
A panel discussion on Decolonization of Translation was another attraction. Chaired by Prof Kalyani Samantaray, the session included panellists Dr. Sneha Prava Das, Dr. Mary Mohanty, and Dr. Lipi Pushpa Nayak. They talked about their experiences and challenges as translators while translating from a socially and culturally loaded language to the language of the colonisers.
The second panel discussion had panellists like Professor Himanshu S. Mohapatra, Dr. Gopa Ranjan Mishra, and Kedar Mishra as speakers. Chaired by Dr. Tanutrushna Panigrahi, the session revolved around the theme of “Translation as Discovery/Recovery,” delving into the multifaceted role of translation in unravelling and reclaiming cultural narratives and identities.
There was a Poetry Reading Session chaired by poet, critic and translator Kedar Mishra where several students read from their own works and translations.
The seminar ended with a valedictory session where Dr. S Deepika faculty of the department, delivered concluding remarks and expressed gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and valuable contribution throughout the seminar.
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