NITC Faculty Wins Pen America Grant for Translation Work
Dr. Vrinda Varma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Calicut, has been honored with a prestigious grant from PEN America for her outstanding literary translation work.
Ms. Varma's translation of "Alingam," a Malayalam novel by S. Girish Kumar, which chronicles the life of the renowned dramatist Ochira Velukutti, has garnered significant acclaim. Mr. Kumar, an Assistant Professor of Malayalam at Sree Vivekananda College, Kunnamkulam, Thrissur, authored the original work.
The award, carrying a substantial purse of $4,000, will be presented at a forthcoming event scheduled to take place in New York on April 29.
Describing Varma's translation prowess, PEN America's website highlights, "Alingam is a fictionalized biography offering a rare lens into gender, class, caste, and religious conflicts, providing captivating historical insights into the evolving folkloric and dramatic traditions of 1930s Malayalam theater." The description further praises Varma's meticulous attention to detail, which vividly brings Velukkutty's unique voice and demeanor to life in English.
Ochira Velukkutty (1905–1954) was an exceptional figure in the early era of Malayalam theater. Renowned for his portrayal of the female heroine role in the play "Karuna" for over 7,000 performances spanning seven years, Velukkutty left an indelible mark on the theatrical landscape.
Through her remarkable translation work, Vrinda Varma has not only preserved the essence of Kumar's narrative but also shed light on the extraordinary legacy of Ochira Velukkutty, enriching the literary world with this compelling tale.