Breaking Hyderabad Library Holds Reading Session for Telugu Translation of Ruskin Bond’s Autobiography

By Chanda Roy

Hyderabad, India — The State Central Library in Hyderabad hosted a public reading of the Telugu translation of celebrated author Ruskin Bond’s autobiography on Tuesday, drawing literary enthusiasts and local officials. The event, organized by the library’s Cultural Wing in partnership with the Telugu Academy, featured a reading of excerpts from “Naaku Katha Kalavante” — the Telugu rendition of Bond’s memoir, translated by noted writer and translator V. Srinivasulu.

The session began with an opening address by Deputy Chief Minister K. T. Ramakrishna, who praised Bond’s contribution to Indian English literature and highlighted the importance of making such works accessible to non‑English readers. Following the address, Srinivasulu read selected passages that recount Bond’s early life in the Himalayas and his experiences growing up in the Indian subcontinent. The audience, estimated at around 150 participants, included school students, teachers, and members of the literary community.

Library Director M. Raghavendra thanked the attendees and announced that the translated autobiography will be added to the library’s permanent collection, encouraging visitors to explore the work further. The event concluded with a brief Q&A, during which participants asked about the challenges of translating Bond’s nuanced prose into Telugu.

Analysis: The reading underscores a growing trend among Indian cultural institutions to promote regional language translations of globally recognized authors, thereby broadening literary access beyond English‑speaking audiences. By featuring a high‑profile political figure, the event also signals governmental support for regional literature initiatives, which could encourage similar collaborations in other states. However, the limited seating and modest attendance suggest that while interest exists, broader outreach may be needed to reach a wider public.

Sources

– The Hindu, “Hyderabad library hosts reading session on Telugu translation of Ruskin Bond’s autobiography,” https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/hyderabad-library-hosts-reading-session-on-telugu-translation-of-ruskin-bonds-autobiography/article71189309.ece

Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source