Mangalore: English Translation of Konkani Play Sardaranchi Sinol released in City   
News & Pics: Steven Quadros, Tony Ferros 
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD/VA)  

Mangalore, Jan 26: “Translation is an attempt to understand, personalize and reproduce a particular literary work, said Dr William D’Silva.

He was speaking as a resource person at the one-day symposium on Translation: Concept and work, organized by Samvad at CODP auditorium, here on Sunday January 24.  “One who takes up the work of translation is expected to know not only the words, sentences and texts that he is translating, but must also have the clear idea about the world view of both the language and communities, he said.

D’Silva said that translated work should not be considered as a mere replica of or copy of the original work. Good translation will eventually become another original work. The reader of the translated work becomes the original reader for the work and if the work has the potential, subsequently it may get translated to other languages”, he said. 

Fr Francis Rodrigues, editor of Raknno, illustrated Konkani weekly released Signet of Sardars, English translation of Konkani play Sardaranchi Sinol by V J P Saldanha.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr Rodrigues said that by translating a Konkani drama into English, the depth in the language is made known to the world.

Henry M Pernal, member of Samvad moderated the discussion. Richard Sequeira, publisher of the translated version was felicitated on the occasion.  

Stephen Quadros, translator and member of Samvad welcomed the gathering. In his introductory address, Stephen also stressed on the need of reorganizing and continuing Samvad, an informal literary criticism forum. Victor D’ Silva compered the programme and Donald Pereira proposed the vote of thanks.

Signet of Sardars 

It is an English translation of Konkani play Sardaranchi Sinol by V J P Saldanha. The theme of the play is based on the heroic deeds of some of the Catholic leaders who faced the agony of Tipu Sultan’s rule in Canara. The history of coastal Karnataka took a turn with Tipu Sultan establishing his control over it. Tipu Sultan fighting against the Britishers is furious against Christians of Canara, who he thought were supporting them in their conquest. He declared general massacre of the Canara Christians.

There were some heroes among these Christians who struggled hard to keep the people united. Dumga Peent (Dominic Pinto) along with his compatriots worked hard to keep the Christian faith stronger. Sardar Simanv Pedru Prabhu, one of the commanders of Sultan, loyal but God-fearing, by a coincidence happens to meet these heroes, ends up assuring justice. He gives them a signet and assures support. 

The drama is knit around the signet which binds these heroes, binds the hearts of two energetic persons and ultimately brings justice to the people of Canara. It’s translated by Stephen Quadros Permude, selection grade lecturer at Government First Grade College, here, teaching history since last 18 years.  He has also compiled an English - Konkani dictionary. 

Signet of Sardars, is published by Richard Sequeira and Irene Fernandes. Richard Sequeira played the role of Sardar in the play.

About V J P Saldanha (June 9, 1925 – 2000) 

Vincent John Peter Saldanha (V J P Saldanha) popularly known by his pen-name Khadap was an Indian litterateur, dramatist, musician, and poet. He made lasting contributions to Konkani literature as a poet, dramatist, novelist, and a litterateur. His main themes were the sufferings of 60,000 Mangalorean Catholics during their 15 year captivity at Seringapatam imposed by the Muslim ruler Tipu Sultan from 1784 to 1799, and the oppression of Goan Catholics during the Goa inquisition. 

Vincent John Peter Saldanha was born on June 9, 1925 to Martin Saldanha and Theresa Saldanha in the Omzoor area of Mangalore. He was the eighth child. He attended St Joseph's Higher Primary School in his native parish. He later joined St. Aloysius College in Mangalore to pursue his intermediate studies. Soon after his intermediate studies, he took up a job as a Physical instructor and an English teacher at Padva High School, Natoor, here. Later, he migrated to Bombay. With his good command of English and handwriting skills, he was offered a job by the Hindustan Insurance Cooperative Society. He resigned from the post in 1950, as he started the Konkani weekly Poinnari.

In Mangalore, Saldanha began and edited a Kannada daily called the Kannadavani. He thus gained a good experience of Kannada journalism. He had also worked as the sub-editor of Navabharatha, a leading Kannada daily in the city. Saldanha published his first six-page Konkani weekly Poinnari on September 10, 1950 in Mumbai.