Translator has to be functionally true to the author, says Justice Prabha Sridevan

Translating the works of Imayam is an emotional experience and a form of catharsis, said Justice Prabha Sridevan, who has translated four books by the Sahitya Akademi Award–winning writer.

“He asked me whether I would go through the same pain that he had experienced. I said yes,” Ms. Sridevan said in conversation with journalist Kavitha Muralidharan on the Joys and Challenges of Translating Imayam at The Hindu Lit for Life 2026.

She said she had to remain functionally true to the author and ensure that the reader experienced a significant degree of the pain and anguish she herself felt during the process of translation.

When Kavitha Muralidharan asked about the challenges faced by a translator — particularly since the English reader enters the work during the act of translation — Ms. Sridevan said, “I hear the words in Tamil when I read, and I hear them in English when I translate them into English.” She reiterated that she translated the works not as Justice Prabha Sridevan, but as Ms. Prabha Sridevan.

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Describing her collaboration with Mr. Imayam during the translation process as a “lovely journey”, she said her chief concern was the possibility of misunderstanding elements related to tradition and custom, which are not easily translated. She pointed out that neither Begetter in English nor Le Père in French could fully capture the meaning of the Tamil word Pethavan (father).

She added that Mr. Imayam himself was unhappy with the English title Salt Seller for Uppu Vandikaran, as it suggests a stationary shopkeeper. By contrast, a salt vendor conveys movement — someone who pulls a cart and travels from place to place. “Vendor alone gives mobility to the word Uppu Vandikaran,” she said.

Responding to a question on whether her familiarity with the author and the text made her prone to overlooking details, Ms. Sridevan said she did not read the text as a reader. “I do not overlook even a comma. Every word is an adventure. If I overlook anything, I fail as a translator,” she said.

Ms. Sridevan also clarified that the objective of translation was not to make the work read better. “Something is always lost in translation. It is like carrying water in your hands — however careful you are, some water will spill,” she said.

Kavitha Muralidharan observed that retaining the author’s voice was essential and that the translator could not afford to intrude upon the text.

Ms. Muralidharan opened the session by quoting Mr. Imayam’s social media post: “I understand life as I write, and as I write, life itself becomes writing.”

Mr. Imayam said that words overheard often became the origin for his stories. He recalled how, at a recent funeral, a father’s cry at the graveyard — “How will I go home alone without you? (his son)” — had become an obsession.

He said that once he began writing a story, he lost himself in the process and became the characters he created. “I become the Arokyam of Koverukazhuthaikal. I become Sedal. But once the book goes to print, the story and the characters leave me. Then, like a beggar, I begin searching for new stories,” he said.

His advice to aspiring writers was simple: “Follow writing as though your parents begot you for that purpose.”

The Hindu Lit For Life is presented by The all-new Kia Seltos. In association with: Christ University and NITTE, Associate Partners: Orchids- The International School, Hindustan Group of Institutions, State Bank of India, IndianOil, Indian Overseas Bank, New India Assurance, Akshayakalpa, United India Insurance, ICFAI Group, Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, Vajiram & Sons, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Mahindra University, Realty Partner: Casagrand, Education Partner: SSVM Institutions, State Partner: Government of Sikkim & Uttarakhand Government

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Published – January 17, 2026 12:56 pm IST