Rezauddin Stalin's “Selected Poems” launched
Rezauddin Stalin's newest book, "Selected Poems”, a compilation of selected poetry translated into English, was launched on May 24 at the AS Mahmud Hall of the Daily Star premises.
Organised by Performing Arts Center, Magic Lantern and Kaler Dhoni, the ceremony was chaired by eminent Nazrul exponent Star Arts & Entertainment Editor Sadya Afreen Mallick. The chief guest of the event was Emeritus Professor Rafiqul Islam. Poet and novelist Md Nurul Huda, veteran television personality Nawazish Ali Khan, and noted academic Prof. Fakhrul Alam were present as the special guests.
About the book, Dr Rafiqul Islam said, “We have a serious lack of translated poetry. Even when they are translated, it is done so literally that the essence of the poems is lost, more often than not. Even though I haven't read the book yet, I am hopeful that the translators did a good job in capturing the mood of the poems.”
Gulshan Ara Kazi, Zakaria Shiraji and Helaluddin Ahmed worked as translators for the book.
“A lot of people, even renowned poets themselves, say that poetry gets lost in translation. But it is impossible to spread poetry across the globe without translation. The works of, say, Pablo Neruda, still have the effect of putting us face-to-face with the reality he portrays through his poetry, even though much of the essence may be missing in translation. Through this book of my translated works, I hope to spread the culture of Bangladesh to every corner of the globe,” said Rezauddin Stalin.
The ceremony included poetry recitation and music, and was attended by well-wishers and media personnel.
The book is published by Kurighar Prokashani.
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