Bengali translation of Keshari Nath Tripathi's poems released

A Bengali translation of 30 Hindi poems penned by West Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi was unveiled at the Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday.

The collection, christened "Keshari Nath Tripathir Nirbachito Kabita" (Selected poems of Keshari Nath Tripathi), was released by veteran Bengali writer Nabanita Deb Sen at a brief function.

Speaking on the occasion, Tripathi said he was "immensely grateful" and "indebted" to the state for the honour which the literary community showered on him during his nearly three-year stint at the Raj Bhavan.

"I am immensely grateful to West Bengal and indebted to the state. When I was appointed as the governor of the state, I had apprehensions. But the literary community has given me so much honour... that is priceless... I am extremely happy," he said.

"I had no clue that my poems would be translated into Bengali. This is inspiring," Tripathi said.

The poems, which express a wide range of emotions including humanity and love, have been translated by Nani Sur.

Deb Sen said it was both a moment of joy and surprise for her.

"So long, he was unveiling our books. But today, I released his book. It is a moment of joy, happiness and surprise. I am touched and deeply moved. Translation from one Indian language to another is very important".

Tripathi, a former Uttar Pradesh Speaker, is a widely acclaimed poet, who has participated in a number of poetry symposiums in Britain, the USA and Netherlands, besides India.

Six compendiums of his Hindi poems have been published under the titles "Manonukriti", "Aayu Pankh", "Chirantan", "Unmukta", "Maun Aur Shoonya" and "Nirmal Dohey". "Manonukriti" has been translated into English and published with the title "The Images".

He has also written an exhaustive commentary on the Representation of the People Act, 1951. It is still a book of reference for lawyers.