Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 10 Apr: The Hindi translation of renowned author Vikram Seth’s ‘Beastly Tales from Here and There’ (Idhar-Udhar ke Jangli Kisse) was launched at the Doon Library & Research Centre on Thursday evening at its auditorium.
The book has been translated into Hindi by Mohini Gupta. The launch was followed by an engaging discussion moderated by Yauvanika Chopra. Originally written in English, this widely acclaimed work by Vikram Seth is a collection of verse fables. It has now been translated into Hindi under the title Idhar-Udhar ke Jangli Kisse by Mohini Gupta. The book has been published by Speaking Tiger Books.
During the discussion, various aspects of both the original English text and its Hindi translation were explored in detail, including themes, narrative structure, language style, vocabulary, and other key elements. The speakers highlighted that the book, first published in 1992, brings together folk tales from India, China, Greece, and Ukraine, along with imaginative stories from the fictional “Land of Gup”. Owing to its wit, rhythmic quality, and timeless appeal, it holds a distinctive place in modern literary tradition.
The discussants observed that the Hindi translation strives to retain the rhythm, rhyme, and playful spirit of the original work while extending its reach to new readers.
Commenting on the translation process, Mohini Gupta noted that the book’s poetic structure allowed her the creative freedom to transform “song and speech” within certain constraints.
She further added that the Hindi translation aims to preserve Vikram Seth’s original rhythm and rhyme while making the work accessible to a broader readership. In the context of growing conversations around language and accessibility, the translation presents a beloved classic in a new form for young readers, poetry enthusiasts, and bilingual families, establishing translation as a creative bridge between literary worlds.
Through the stories in this collection, many familiar characters reappear in engaging new forms—a small tortoise who outpaces a swift hare, and a clever monkey who outwits a greedy crocodile. The ten tales feature a lively cast of characters: two stories each from India, China, Greece, and Ukraine, and two, as described by the author, from the imaginary “Land of Gup.”
Vikram Seth is among the most distinguished writers of our time. He is the author of three novels, including A Suitable Boy and The Golden Gate, two works of non-fiction, and seven celebrated poetry collections. His work spans diverse traditions, including translations of classical Chinese poetry and a rendition of Tulsidas’s Hanuman Chalisa.
The translator, Mohini Gupta, is a postdoctoral fellow at Aarhus University (Denmark) and holds a DPhi. from the University of Oxford. She has worked on academic projects with Routledge, Orient Blackswan, and Hono Press, and has translated children’s books into Hindi for Tulika Books. She was a Charles Wallace India Trust–Literature Across Frontiers Fellow in 2017.
Moderator Yauvanika Chopra is a former Associate Director at the New India Foundation and a former editor at Speaking Tiger Books. She is currently associated with the Valley of Words Literature and Arts Festival in Dehradun.
Speaking at the event, Prof BK Joshi, Chairman of Doon Library & Research Centre, described the book as a work of distinctive style and significance. He remarked that Idhar-Udhar ke Jangli Kisse is an entertaining, delightful, and timeless book that appeals to children, young readers, and audiences across generations.
Among those present at the event were Neeta Gupta, Nicholas, Chandrashekhar Tewari, Dr DK Pandey, Sundar Singh Bisht, along with several writers, literary enthusiasts, young readers, and distinguished members of the city.
