Sanjiv Verenkar’s anthology of poems ‘Village Evening’ translated from Konkani to English by the late Prof Prakash Thali was released at the hands of Dr Maria Arora Couto at the convention hall, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Panaji.

The venue was filled with people from the field of literature. This function was organised by the Institute Menezes Braganza and Shri Nagesh Mahalaxmi Prasadik Natya Samaj, Bandodem, Ponda.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Couto said, “Village Evening has spoken to me directly because I have been living in a village for the last 10 years. The beauty of the village, the emotions of sadness, disillusionment and hope are all well expressed,” shared Dr Couto. She called Sanjiv - “a political poet, who has the political sense arising from the Goan soil.” Dr Couto read out excerpts of some poems and said, “I like the sense of reality found in the poems. The poet has succeeded in admirably evoking the beauty of Goa.”

Sanjiv’s poetry was evident in his address. “This book release is a tribute to the late Prakash Thali. It is an honour to have my book translated by him,” he said softly with emotions written all over his face.

According to lecturer, Prof Kiran Budkuley, “A creative work can be translated, but translation eludes creativity. However, if aptly put together in the original essence, I am certain, creativity will defy translation.”

Prof Budkuley further said, “The books appeals as it contains the tone of the poet’s concern, nostalgia, and outright frustration.” Ms Budkuley liked the way the terms ‘mumbar’ and ‘vasant’ have been retained and not translated into English. “This interests me because the sensitivity with which late Prakash preserved native ethos is outstanding.”

She said enthusiastically, “The output of translations and efforts in percentage is extremely high. Ninety per cent have come from the translator’s pen as if he has personally written it.” She also reviewed the book. “The book reveals Sanjiv’s concern over the concretisation of villages and urbanisation at the cost ecology. He is unhappy with the fast life that threatens to overtake us. But Sanjiv has not shut his mind.”

The curator of the Central library, Panaji, Mr Carlos Fernandes expressed his appreciation of the hard work and endurance Sanjiv put in his poems.

Also present amongst the gathering were the Goa Public Service Commission, chairperson, Mr Prakash Desai, vice-president, Institute Menezes Braganza, Mr Mohandas Surlakar, president, Nagesh Mahalaxmi Prasadik Natya Samaj, Mr Ajit Kerkar and compere, Mr Mukesh Thali.