Anuradha: A bridge of Kalingandhra culture

On November 10 a cultural bridge between Telugu and Odiya literature ceased to exist. Upadrashta Anuradha, a noted litterateur passed away at Berhampur, Odisha. As a friend and associate in literary efforts Dr Chaganti Tulasi, Anuradha had strengthened the bridge of interexchange of literature. ‘Kottoti Mononeeto Golpo’ is a translation of Telugu short Stories into Odiya, and this was published with the forewords of Manoj Das, Bina Pani Mohanty and Chaganti Tulasi. 

In the earlier generation, Puripanda Appalaswami had translated into Telugu, the reputed work ‘Cho Mano Atho Gunto’ by Fakir Mohan Senapathi. Chaganti Tulasi and Anuradha presented in Telugu, in their combined authorship ‘Odisha Janapada Kalalu’ (Odisha folk arts). Famous Odiya and Telugu writers have participated in the book release function.       

In the Telugu modern poetry, Nagna Muni’s landmark work ‘Koyya Gurram (Wooden Horse), reflected the Divi Seema typhoon adversity, and this long poem was translated into Odiya by Anuradha, in the year 2007, which was received well in modern Odiya literature. KB Lakshmi and Tulasi participated in the inaugural meet and explained the significance of this important text. Anuradha had also translated famous poet Vijayachandra’s poem ‘Bijoyochandro Ro Kobita’ and introduced him to Odiya reading public. 

At the time, Anuradha had undertaken the effort, there was no dictionary between two languages, and perhaps, even now, the condition remains same. For translating ‘Koyya Gurram’ of Nagna Muni. As a help in the translation project, she had obtained English and Hindi translations as well and rendered the poem into Odiya, with a deep interest. When learnt about her passing away, Nagna Muni paid rich tributes to the women of rare talent.   

Despite ill health rendering her confined to home and bed gradually, she remained connected with her pet work of literature through extensive reading. When I met Anuradha at Berhampur, she explained the intricacies of translation between Indian languages, and her efforts of translation from Telugu to Odiya. 

A person of simple demeanor committed to the cause of arts and humanities, she received a lot of inspiration and encouragement from Chaganti Tulasi all through her life. In her demise, we lost a cultural bridge working actively in the Kaligandhra region.