O.P Sharma
Madan Gopal Padha has the distinction of translating into Dogri the two famous dramas of the celebrated English writer William Shakespeare. First he tried his hand at the drama titled Julius Caesar and nows comes out with “Othello” in the Dogri language.
Endeavours must be made to make available translations of the classic literary books in different world languages so that the common readership is benefitted by reading these in their own mother tongue. This is noteworthy that the Dogri writers are taking to translations of the most popular books in various other languages, Indian or foreign to acquaint our readers of all the great literary creative works in Dogri as well.
This is also a sort of service to the Dogri language and its readers as well. Mr Padha deserves appreciation for his latest literary venture.
Tragic Drama
It may be pointed that “Othello “is undoubtedly one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies in the English literature .It was penned in about 1604, when Shakespeare’s knowledge of human nature was at peak and his ability to portray it all in a dramatic language and dramatic actions. It was time when the theatre enjoyed the best medium of communication and Shakespeare’s dramas enjoyed immense popularity. The “Othello” is a drama of jealousy and intrigues.The tragedy takes place because of the intrigues of Lago, who has a grudge against both Othello and Cassio. He spreads his net to enmash them and bring about their total ruin. He excites Othello’s jealousy by suggesting that his wife Desdimona has illicit relation with Cassio.
The story further adds that jealousy is the key- note of major characters and inter-play of various intrigues in the entire plot. Lago’s character in the drama is that of a arch- hypocratic and of a villain in nature with the story going further in the disguise of love, friendship and sympathy. He weaved and intricate net to trap all the main characters in order to bring about their disaster.
Welcome Addition
In the last when Othello realised that he was a victim of the villain and had killed his beloved, innocent and pious wife Desdimona, he repents a lot for the jealousness. The play ultimately depicts Othello’s degradation which ultimately resulted in his suicide. This top literary figure is great dramatist and a master of tragedy in the English literature.
It is gratifying to note that this play will be available to the Dogri knowing people to read and appreciate it.
The book has been well produced with fine printing on a quality paper. Mr Padha has ably done the translation with a high sense of creativity with appropriate Dogri dictum. This book by noted Dogri writer Madan Gopal Padha is welcome addition to the Dogri literature .
(Starline Syndicate Service)