GUWAHATI, Jan 18 - The modern Assamese version of the Uttarakanda Ramayan composed in verses by Srimanta Sankaradeva in the mediaeval form of the Assamese language, has been translated into modern Assamese prose by noted writer Dr Aradhana Patangia Goswami.
Noted educationist and literary critic Prof Upen Sarma, litterateur Dr Lakshmi Nandan Bora and educationist Dr Usharanjan Bhattacharya released the translated version of Dr Goswami at a function held at the Guwahati Press Club here recently, said a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sarma described Sankaradeva as a sculptor who created the Assamese nationality out of dust. Like Dante, Sankaradeva also created a new literary style and created Brajabuli, the artificial language, for his literary works. He created a lot of similes to facilitate his communication with his readers and audience.
However, the changes in time have also brought about changes in the Assamese language and these have necessitated translation of Sankaradeva�s creations into modern Assamese language, said Prof Sarma. Dr Bora described the translation of the Uttarakanda Ramayan by Dr Goswami as an outstanding work that would enrich Assamese literature.
Dr Bora maintained that the Uttarakanda Ramayan gives its readers a different impression of its creator Sankaradeva. In this literary work, the founder of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism has emerged as a champion of the cause of women, he added.
He observed that because of the impacts of the tribal cultures on them, the general people of Assam were highly sympathetic towards women during Sankaradeva�s time and this was reflected in the depiction of Sita by Sankaradeva in the Uttarakanda Ramayan.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bhattacharya described the portrayal of Sita by Sankaradeva in Uttarakanda Ramayan as unique. The function was also addressed by the translator Dr Goswami, the release added.