Virasat Art Publications brings the timeless work to international readers with fresh illustrations by Tales, Walks & Talks
On the 101st anniversary of the original publication, Sukumar Ray’s iconic book finds a new global audience, thanks to a brilliant translation by Sumantra Chattopadhyay. Published by Virasat Art Publications and edited and illustrated by the team at Tales, Walks & Talks, this edition presents a fresh take on Ray’s classic work, making it accessible and relatable to readers worldwide.
Sukumar Ray, widely regarded as one of the four pillars of Bengali literature alongside Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Michael Madhusudan Dutta, and Rabindranath Tagore, has left an indelible mark on the literary world. His original work, first published on September 19, 1923, is a collection of whimsical and satirical poems that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
The book’s launch was marked by heartwarming anecdotes shared by prominent personalities like Debojyoti Mishra, Satarupa Sanyal, and Goutam De. The latter, former Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), praised Sumantra Chattopadhyay’s translation, comparing it favorably to previous attempts by others. De emphasized that Chattopadhyay’s translation captures the true essence of Ray’s work, making it more relatable for a non-Bengali-speaking global audience.
Saheli Mitra from Tales, Walks & Talks, who was responsible for the book’s illustrations, shared the challenges of reimagining Ray’s work, which is already famous for its original illustrations. The team worked meticulously to stay true to the spirit of the original while giving it a modern twist that appeals to today’s readers.
What sets this edition apart is Chattopadhyay’s inclusion of insightful notes that delve into the historical and geopolitical context of Ray’s poems. This added layer of commentary enriches the reader’s understanding of the socio-political landscape that shaped Ray’s work, making it not just a literary treasure but also a cultural and historical document.
As Goutam De pointed out, the new translation aligns with global efforts to bring Indian literature to the forefront of world culture. With Ray’s work now available to a broader audience, Chattopadhyay’s translation is poised to leave a lasting impact, just as the original did over a century ago.
This new edition of Sukumar Ray’s work is a fitting tribute to one of the giants of Bengali literature and is sure to find a cherished place in the collections of readers worldwide.
Debanjali Das (West Bengal State Head)