Thulika.net December 2009

For sometime, I have not been able to update Thulika.net for several reasons. Finally, I was able to work on the current issue and add even a search box.

Actually, my editorial posted on my website, thulika.net explains what I need to say. So, here it is. Please, take a few moments and let me know your opinions.

Thanks.

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Editorial, December 2009

In recent times, I was not able to upload new articles on a regular basis. However, the current should compensate for it. Up until now, most of the translations are done by me, but for a few by other contributors like Sharada, Australia. Now, for the first time I am in a position to claim that we have a line up of contributions from writers and translators other than me, which adds to the image of Thulika. Hopefully, this is the beginning of receiving more and more stories and articles from other writers and translators or writers who are also translators, Parimala Someswar for instance.

On the same lines, I have tried to address the problems in translations in a few articles on this site. In the current issue, we have yet another excellent article by Professor Prabhakar Rao, Advisory Editor, IFCAI Journal of English Studies, IFCAI University, Hyderabad. It should be interesting for anyone interested in translating from Telugu to English.

The article on Kalaprapoorna, Nidudavolu Venkatarao is long overdue. This is my humble attempt to bring a literary figure of enormous proportions to the notice of the current generation literature students. I strongly suggest to all those who could read Telugu to read Venkatarao’s works, or at least Nistala Venkata Rao’s treatise on Nidudavolu Venkatarao.

As I have mentioned more than once, I am looking for different perspectives that throw light on the lifestyle of Telugu people, and show where we come from. The three stories vouch for that. In the “Reserved Justice”, we see what is known in America as “reverse discrimination.” The story howeve puts it in Indian context and illustrates how things beyond our control also play a part. “You can be whatever you want to be” sounds like a cliché in situations like this.

As we start reading the story, “The Bull”,  it is not hard to imagine a street with a freely wandering bull. It is interesting to note how people around are anxious to claim its ownership and are equally ready to disown it.

The “Wedding Garments” is a charming story, which illustrates a major event in the lives of a couple who valued tradition and deep-rooted customs more than life. It is part of their family tradition for Puttanna to make special garments called madhuparkaalu for the bride and groom on their wedding day. They expect no returns for the garments but what is the solution when odds stack up against them? And what should the bride and groom do under the circumstances? This is a moving story highlighting the human values that go beyond call of one’s duty.

After eight and a half years, finally, I’ve learned to put the search box on the homepage! To mark my excitement, I changed the homepage look. I am also hoping to fix broken links. Please, feel free to inform me of any broken links you may come across.

As always, I am looking forward to your comments.

Malathi Nidadavolu

Editor.  10 December 2009

thulika.net – My visit to India

In August 2009, I went to India and met with several writers, and attended several literary events. Two new books of mine have been released.

Kanuparthi Varalakshmamma (1896-1978): A Writer with a Purpose and a Pioneer in Women’s Movement.

 Varalakshmamma was an avid social activist, active participant in Gandhian movement, a social conscious writer and a great speaker.

THE IMAGE IN HER MIND

“Viswapriya’s speech today,” 14-year-old Uma tiptoes into the room with the same humility as Nara [Arjuna] would approach Lord Narayana.                                                 

Telugu Women Writers, 1950-1975. Online supplement

Hello,

The following link takes you to the Telugu stories in English, discussed in my recent book, Telugu Women Writers, 1950-1975, Andhra Pradesh, India. A Unique Phenomenon in the history of Telugu literature.

http://www.thulika.net/MYBLOG/twwsuppltoc.html

Looking forward to your comments, as always,

Malathi N.