Book Launch – Kalidasa for the 21st Century Reader – By Mani Rao

Kãlidãsa is a name that mostly tends to intimidate. However, through her translation of the epic poet Mani Rao has managed to demystify and simplify Kãlidãsa for the 21st Century reader. Most previous Kãlidãsa translations have been done by scholars, not by poets. Mani Rao, a poet brings her own poetic sensibilities to the translations. Most translations focus on what the text means, but it is actually in the insights, commentaries and reading-appreciation that the delights of Kãlidãsa emerge. Often, the language of Kãlidãsa translations tends to be from a bygone era but Mani Rao’s new translation uses language that can be comfortably used on stage.
Mani Rao’s supple, contemporary translation removes the distance between Kãlidãsa and the modern reader; she helps ‘read’ the poetry for us while remaining loyal to the text. The volume includes the entire Meghadūtam, Abhijnãna Sãkuntalam, and selections from Kumãrasambhavam, Ṛtusaṃhāram, Vikramorvasíyam and Mãlavikãgnimitram. This is a translation that belongs to today; Kãlidãsa renewed.
Gyaan Adab launched the book KALIDASA FOR THE 21st CENTURY READER translated by Mani Rao on a Wednesday evening under a canopy of trees with Sanskrit scholars, poets and readers who wanted to engage with Kãlidãsa. Mr. Randhir Khare released the book and introduced Mani Rao – the author, poet, translator and the person.
Mani Rao read excerpts from Meghadutam, Abhijnana Sakuntalam, Rtusamharam and Raghuvamsam and unraveled the complications that Kãlidãsa may pose to an average reader with the explanations interspersed between readings. The readings left the audience absolutely awestruck and what followed was very stimulating discussion.

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