World classics to be translated in Gojri

Jammu, Dec 3 (UNI) In a major initiative to widen the access of classic and foreign languages, 50 rare and greatest works in different languages will be translated in Gojri language, which is said to be the language of the Gujjar tribe.

This was announced here today by Dr Javaid Rahi, head, Gojri Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

Dr Rahi said under this prestigious project, 12 publications had already been translated this year into Gojri which includes world classics like Mathnavi Moulana Rume, Gulistan-e-Saddi, Shakespeare's Othello and King Lear, sanskrit's Neelmat Puran, the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi ''My Experience with Truth'' and others.

''This project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010, Dr Rahi said, adding that the project aims to revitalise the art of translation among gujjars across the Indian sub-continent and reverse the long decline in Gojri readership access to major works of global literature, philosophy, and history.

''The department of Gojri has engaged 20 prolific researchers to translate 50 world class works of 18 legendry writers of three classic and foreign languages of the globe for an early compilation of the translation works, Dr Rahi told UNI.

Dr Rahi said current analysis showed that the Gojri language is the first language of millions of people in South Asia including India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the majority of the population living in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, will be benefited with this project.

The project has been launched in connection with silver jubilee celebrations of Gojri department of state academy, Dr Rahi disclosed.

UNI