‘Translating Kuvempu is not just a personal choice, but a culturally significant move’ Premium

Vanamala Viswanatha’s English translation of Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa’s (Kuvempu) magnum opus Malegalalli Madumagalu is a significant cultural milestone. The translation, released in Bengaluru last weekend, is among the many by the scholar, teacher and translator Vanamala, who has for long championed voices of Kannada literature and sought to bridge the gap between regional and global readerships.

Vanamala Viswanatha’s English translation of Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa’s (Kuvempu) magnum opus Malegalalli Madumagalu is a significant cultural milestone. The translation, released in Bengaluru last weekend, is among the many by the scholar, teacher and translator Vanamala, who has for long championed voices of Kannada literature and sought to bridge the gap between regional and global readerships.

In this interview with The Hindu, Vanamala delves into why Malegalalli Madumagalu deserves recognition beyond Karnataka’s borders, the complexities of translating a text steeped in the cultural and linguistic nuances of the Malnad region, and how her broader work in translation continues to highlight the richness of Kannada’s literary heritage. She also discusses the evolving role of translators in India, acknowledging the growing visibility and recognition they now receive.