Some links to other communities that centre translation discourse in India (and elsewhere) that we love. It’s an evolving list, watch this space!
Journals and magazines
- Indian Literature – Sahitya Akademi’s bimonthly literary journal featuring translations in English from twenty-three languages all over India. The oldest journal of this kind, the first issue of Indian literature was published in 1957. Back issues are available to read for free on JSTOR.
- Muse India – A peer-reviewed literary e-journal that showcases Indian writings in English and English translation.
- Words Without Borders – A platform for international writing and literature which has also featured Indian writing in translation.
- Asymptote – An international journal for literature in translation which has also featured Indian writing in translation.
- Scroll Magazine – Among mainstream English-language magazines, Scroll is unique in the attention it pays to literature in translation
Academic Institutions
- SCILET – Study Centre for Indian Literature in English and Translation, founded by Paul Linder Love at the American College, Madurai, is host to one of the finest translation-focussed libraries in the country.
- Ashoka Centre for Translation – Helmed by Rita Kothari and Arunava Sinha, ACT’s vision is to unlock knowledge and aid its dissemination through translation. Bhashavaad is their repository of translations from Indian languages.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Translation and Creative Writing at Ahmedabad University – Designed by Tejaswini Niranjana and supported by the JCB Literature Foundation, the diploma is a two-semester program providing exposure to literary translation, creative writing and publishing.
Our Forerunners
- The Katha Awards – Instituted in 1990 by Geeta Dharmarajan, The Katha Awards for writing and translation have been among India’s premier recognitions in literature. Katha ran translation contests, and between 1988 – 2005, published significant yearly anthologies of India’s best literature in translation.
- Knit India Through Literature – For 16 years between 1993 and 2009, Tamil writer Sivasankari travelled through India, met eminent writers and poets from various parts of the country, interviewed them and put them all together in four books, each focussing on one part of the country. In all, they featured 102 authors, across 18 languages. The books also include a creative piece by each of the literary personalities she met, as well as critical essays on the literary traditions of the languages represented in the book. Unfortunately her contribution is virtually unknown. It’s a monumental effort that needs to be talked about more.
- Desi Books – From March 2020 to January 2023, Jenny Bhatt ran Desi Books, a multimedia forum showcasing South Asian literature from all over the world and connecting readers and writers through conversation and community. She published a quarterly called Desi Books Review, regularly hosted writers, poets and translators on her podcast and did much amazing work bringing the translation community together.
Translation mentorships
- South Asia Speaks – South Asia Speaks offers literary mentorship to outstanding emerging writers and translators living in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Nepal. Applications open in September each year.
- ALTA – The American Translators Literary Association hosts a mentorship program for emerging literary translators. Applications open in September each year.
Media
- Harshaneeyam – Anil Sarvepalli’s podcast features literature in translation, as well as Telugu fiction. Harshaneeyam has interviewed over a hundred translators in English.