Class 8 student, son of migrant worker, translates Malayalam story to Hindi
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In an inspiring event on Thursday, July 11, Aryan Thakur, a Class 8 student at St Albert’s High School, made a remarkable debut as a translator with the release of his first book, ‘Pyaj Karhi Aur Nau Ki Pahaada.’
The 19-page translation of a Malayalam short story to Hindi marks a significant achievement for the young student, who has shown a keen interest in literary pursuits.
Born and raised in Kerala by his parents, Sanoj Kumar Thakur and Dimple Devi, who migrated from Bihar's Rohtas district 12 years ago, Aryan has become fluent in Malayalam. His parents, however, still struggle with the language despite their long residence in the state. Aryan’s sister Anushka also speaks Malayalam fluently. The family resides in Kochi, where Aryan's father works as a hairdresser on a ship and his mother is a homemaker, The Indian Express reported.
Aryan's journey into the world of translation began at Sree Rudra Vilasam UP School, where he studied until Class 7. The school, which primarily serves students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, introduced the ‘Budding Writers’ initiative earlier this year. This program, inspired by social worker Rupa George’s suggestion to enhance students’ reading and writing skills, encourages students to translate literary works.
Recognizing Aryan's studious nature and potential, his teachers selected him for the initiative. Under the guidance of his Hindi teacher, Jyoti Bala, Aryan embarked on translating Priya A S's award-winning Malayalam short story "Ullitheeyalum Onpathinte Pattikayum." For over a month and a half, Aryan dedicated his evenings to this task, showcasing his commitment and passion for literature.
The book was officially launched by Priya A S at an event held at Sree Rudra Vilasam UP School. Priya, a celebrated translator and author, expressed her delight at Aryan’s achievement. Known for her translations of notable works such as Jaishree Mishra’s "Ancient Promises" and Arundhati Roy’s "The God of Small Things" into Malayalam, Priya herself has won several prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize in 2014.
Aryan’s translation of Priya’s short story, which explores a child's perspective on the world, has been well-received. His work is seen as an excellent example of how literature transcends language, capturing the essence of life itself. The success of Aryan's translation not only highlights his linguistic skills but also underscores the importance of nurturing young talents in the field of literature.
As Aryan continues his education at St Albert’s High School, he expresses a desire to translate more works in the future, inspired by the positive experience and reception of his first book.
