The first letter
written by Na Muthukumar to his son on deathbed happened to be the last one and after reading
it I felt that his poetic letter must be translated for the reference of non-Tamil
public. The work was done at one stretch: and after lunch I begin typing.
Translation task is one I do not treat as a
work but a kind of meditation and I do
not merely/ mechanically translate put also my stamp without intruding too much
into the author’s creativity. Tears
welled up in my eyes while typing the last para.
My dear son,
This is the first
letter from your dad.You are too young
to read or fully understand the true import of its content and meaning.
You have just begun learning to walk by holding the finger
of the language.
Before long , the embankment of your ageing process would
anchor you on prime of youth. A girl’s
body will be a riddle to you.
As I attempted to search for the key to unravel all the
secrets that my father kept away in a box from me, one day you will also go in
search of it.
That teenage period is the hardest and the most difficult to
tackle and handle in a more secure and safe way.
I know you will be learning soon and know more and hence
will be more careful in treading that path
Travel a lot .these windows of travel alone will open a new
vista of life by help opening two eyes
on the back.
Love the books. When you touch(thumb through the pages) you
have a new experience. Your grandfather and also your father had lost
themselves and immersed in the forest of books.
That” paper river’ will be also running into your
bloodstream forever.
Take up a job that you like and love rather than the one on
which you happen to land by chance.
Always be ready to help other even by resorting to borrowing.
The resulting sense of joy and happiness is something blissful and inexplicable
Be close to relations and also away from them by drawing
limits. Of all relations in life
friendship is the best relationship.Always team up with good friends.
You will find your life straightened/streamlined.
I have told all these things to you- learnt from my father
without being told by him.
What I am telling now is what I want to tell more
consciously that I must tell and share with you.
It was only after your birth I understood what is joy and happiness.
Many a time I realize the meaning and value of my father’s love. When you grow
and get a son you will also know my
love and care towards you.
Tomorrow and tomorrow’s tomorrow when you are conversing and
playing with your grandson and grand daughter in case my memory invades and
cloud your thoughts when you pick up
this letter and start reading in the tears trickling and rolling down from
your eyes,I will be living.
Your Loving father
Na.Muthukumar
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