Telugu: Patthabhi

English: Dr. Velchala Kondala Rao

Kondal Rao’s translation of Pattabhi’s Telugu Poetry into English is a valuable contribution to trans-lingual poetry – a contribution to both Telugu and English poetry. Good poetry stands on its own merit regardless of the origin. As Kondal Rao’s translation stands, it is good English Poetry. That is also the test of good translation. If the translation reads as good poetry by itself without reference to the original, then it is a good translation.

It is by that test that Fitzgerald’s Rubayats of Omar Khayam is a good translation whatever his detractors may say about its deviation from the original. It is a contribution to English Poetry.

So is Kondal Rao’s translation though unlike Fitzgerald’s he has not apparently deviated from the original. It is not so easy to achieve in a translation, both conformity to the original text and poetical quality.

- J. M. Girglani

I.A.S (Retd)