Hubballi: Vachhanas is a verbal vehicle that expels the philosophy of poets and Sharaa reformers, from Basavanna to Akkamahadevi and more.
Apart from different local resonances from Vachana Kavyas – most of them are written in the North Karnataka dialect Kannada – the underlying message is basically about humanity, and thus their attraction is almost universal.
Among those who have recognized Vachhanas’s standpoint is celebrated the author of Konkani Damodar Mauzo, who has edited the anthology of Vachhanas which translates into the language.
Mauzo, who has been awarded Jnanpith among many other prizes for his contribution to Konkani’s letter, has had a eternal relationship with Kannada, and Doyens of Literature Kannada.
Mauzo, in fact, collaborated closely with the Bachelor and Rationalist MM Kalurgi when translating Vachhanas.
The Mauzo translation is widely regarded as the best version in Konkani to effectively capture the mysticism and philosophy of Sharana poet.
Two novels of Mauzo ‘Karmelin’ and ‘Jeev Divum Kai Chya’ have been translated to Kannada, while a book about the author of ‘Damodar Mauzo Vachike’ has been translated to Kannada by Krisnishao.
Mauzo recalled the association for four decades with Kalurgi.
“We grew closer in 2013, when he took over the project leaders for Vachhanas translations into various languages, initiated by Bakeava Samiti in Bengaluru.
I feel that the other Sharana Basavanna and poets from the 12th century have been ignored by many of us.
Their lesson applies to all humanity.
I read Vachhanas which was translated into Marathi, Hindi and England to make it become Konkani, “Mauzo told Toi.
The author points to the kinship between people who speak Konkani and Kannadigas.
“Konkani people were welcomed by Kannadiangas when they were transferred from Goa for a variety of centuries ago.
Many Kannada Vachhanas was read in Konkani, while members of the Lingayat community and Konkanas enjoyed a very good relationship here and in Goa.
I have read the work -Karya Kannada writers like Ur Ananthamurthy, SL Bhyrappa, Vivek Shanbhag, in their English translation, “he added.
Geetha Shenoy, who edited the anthology of Konkani from Vachhanas, said that choosing one of the many dialects of Konkani language was a challenge.
“We chose the most commonly used dialect in Goa.
We consulted with Rajashri Sail, Ramesh Lad, L Sunitha Bai, Sudha Kharangate and Maya Kharangate.
We worked with Kalurgi and Mauzo, who translated Vachhanas Allamaprabhu.
He was very careful, And continue verifying his work by consulting with translations in Hindi and Marathi, “said Geetha, added that they chose to print Vachanas in the Devanagiri script, which was most widely used throughout the world.
Arvind Jatti, President of Basilva Samiti, said that Kalurgi chose as many as 2,500 Vachhanas, which came from the 12th century.
“Vacanas Allamaprabhu appeals to people who tend to intellectually, and have their own place in the literature.
Mauzo has translated it perfectly, capturing the essence of vacana, and maintaining their core.
He attended the workshop and participated in the meeting we did,” Jatti said .