Tribune press service
Amritsar, October 1
75 years after it was first published in Punjabi, novelist Nanak Singh’s classic ‘Lahu De Sohile’ has been translated into English, titled Hymns in Blood, by his grandson Navdeep Suri.
Speaking during a session dedicated to his latest translation at a virtual Majha House meet-and-greet, Navdeep Suri shared his passion for preserving and documenting his grandfather’s legacy in different languages.
Opening the session, Majha House Founder Preeti Gill said Nanak Singh’s books were written decades ago but continue to be relevant even in the present day. The book “Lahu De Sohile” was published in 1948 and presented the story of a village that was ravaged in the aftermath of partition.
Navdeep said it was important for him to translate his grandfather’s books because his reach is global. “I met many people who came to me and told me that they had learned the Punjabi language just to be able to read his books. But it was a difficult task because while remaining faithful to the original, I also had to manage to transport today’s reader to the Punjab of 1947, to feel involved,” he said. share.
Speaking about the book, Suri said it was historical fiction and amidst all the bloodshed and violence there were examples of brotherhood and love that made us all optimistic. for the human race.
Suri said, “I find this book very relevant in today’s turbulent times. The story takes place in March 1947, when the seeds of the polarization of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims were sown in a heinous way among the people. Unfortunately, I see the same act of polarizing people on the basis of caste and religion happening again. If we celebrate 75 years of independence, we must also remember the price we paid for it.
