Tamas

Rafeeq Masoodi

It was a very cold, but usual, morning, and I, gallowing down hot sips of 'Nun Chhay' (Kashmiri Salt tea) when phone rang and my reverend teacher at the college level Prof. Mishal Sultanpuri, then convener of the Advisory committee at Sahitya Academy for Kashmiri language was there with the same old traditional tune Kya Hez Warepaath ? (Are you all well?) and after pleasantries disclosed that Sahitya Academy would want me to translate Late Bhishmsahani's Hindi classic and the much talked around "TAMAS" into Kashmiri, Wow ! What a pleasant surprise - "Give me your consent by the evening", He was the same fashioned college teacher (although retired), "Mind you! three people, all veterans, have already send it back, or didn't have time to finish it within the stipulated time frame". Few drops of sweat on my forehead were in total contrast to the chilly morning and I don't know still, what prompted me to call professor back within seconds to say, "Sir, can I do it". "Yes, why not", and I started the work. It took me 20 months to complete the work knowing my limitation of Standard Kashmiri Script. It would not have been possible for Kashmiri Literary Critics to appreciate my work, had my childhood friend, a great scholar of many languages and authority on "Arooz" (Poetic Scales), Shabir Ahmed Shabeer not agreed to re-write my script in pure Kashmiri Style.

"TAMAS", a different work in every way, and with a typical backdrop demanded a very close care, and it took my patience away at times and I had to look for accurate diction and phrases. My breath taking endeavor was to keep the backdrop of "TAMAS' (Hindi) intact, and at the same time, ensure that translation has enough Kashmiri Idiom in it, and make it to look like an original work. Whether my route to satisfaction is worth or not, is reader's vote, but award gives me, at least, a satisfaction that my work is appreciated.

My heartful thanks to Prof. Zaman and Mrs. Renu Mohan Bhan who were sustained and able inspires to me. Thanks all, Thank U.