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Mu Sivalingam - Award for best translation
 Award for best Tamil literary work (2002) and
Tiruvalluvar award (2004) were given by the Tamil Nadu government at a function held recently.
The best translated Tamil work was given
for the book 'Ezhuchchi Deepangal' (President Abdul Kalam's 'Ignited Minds'). This book was published by Kannadasan
Pathipagam and Mu Sivalingam who had earlier translated Abdul Kalam's 'Wings of Fire' into Tamil has done the translation for this book also.
Basically a journalist, he has worked as a reporter
for 'Dinamalar', part-time announcer in All India Radio, Coimbatore, sub-editor for
'Dinamani' and 'India Today' magazine (Tamil). He was one of the four-member team which visited
Tirunelveli during the caste riot and passed on the report to magazines like 'Kalki' and
'Dinamani'.
The credit for reporting directly to 'Kalki',
providing on-the-spot information about the cruel murders among the terrorist groups in Bihar four years ago, goes to Mu
Sivalingam.
When Graham Staines, a social activist in Orissa was burnt to death, Sivalingam visited Orissa to conduct an interview with Staines'
widow for 'Kalki' magazine. It should be especially mentioned that it was the only Tamil magazine that carried an interview with the victim's
widow.
Today, his whole concentration is on translation, which he has taken up as a full-time job. Many of his translated works have been published. At present,
he is paying undivided attention to the 320-page book he is writing: 'Napoleon: Chakravarthiyana
Saamaanyan', which will be published by Shanthi publications. This book deals with
Napoleon's life from the time of his birth to his coronation and touches upon various dimensions of the great hero in a clear and lucid manner.
 Devagiri, the
proprietor of Shanthi publications has been the prime motivator in this endeavour, Sivalingam says, giving
him full credit. He adds further that it is the dream of Devagiri to publish works on our national leaders and great world leaders for the benefit of the younger generation.
He had published a book on Hitler two years ago and now
'Napoleon' is the outcome of his sincere and serious efforts, Sivalingam acknowledges.
Shanthi publications have already published a series of 10 books on moral stories for children. It should be mentioned that this
series was released by former Indian president R Venkatraman.
The part-II book on Napoleon has not been written so far but
will be, says Sivalingam. "So far no one has attempted to write a historical book on
Napoleon with concrete proof. Va Ve Su Iyer has written a book on Napoleon and after that, one can say that this book contains the maximum information about the great war
hero," Sivalingam confirms.
He translated the English book
'Napoleon Hill' into Tamil as 'Manam Tharum Panam' and one can say that it is a self-progressive book. He was entrusted with the
responsibility of translating this book by Malan, then the editor of Tamil
weekly 'Kumudham'.
 His other translated works are Osho's
'Narpadhu Vayadhukku Piragu Vaaname Ellai' and 'Sindhithal Sigaram Ettum'. But the book which brought him accolades was
'Agni Siragugal', which took him four months to complete.
While talking about 'Agni
Siragugal', he said this translated work was sent to Kalam who was impressed
with the Tamil version. "He
communicated to Gandhi Kannadasan directly and lauded his efforts... I got the
opportunity to meet him when he came to Higginbothams for the 'autograph function' of
'Agni Siragugal'. He told me then that even if he had written in Tamil, it would not have come out so well and that my translation was to be commended. I was profoundly
touched," gushes Sivalingam with emotion.
When Dr Kalam was working with Anna University, Sivalingam used to meet him in the company of Gandhi Kannadasan regularly in connection with the abridgement of his poems and Kalam always used to introduce him to other visitors as one who had given life to
'Agni Siragugal'. This praise from the President made him ruminate whether he deserved it. According to
him the affection that Dr Kalam has for the people of India and vice versa are in
direct proportion.... this reflection is Agni Siragugal's success.
While mentioning the book 'Ezhuchchi Deepangal', Sivalingam says that when he went to meet Dr Kalam
at Anna University, the English edition had already gone to the press and he wanted Gandhi Kannadasan to publish the Tamil version.
His book was published three days before his departure to Delhi, after his name was announced
for President.
Sivalingam read the book that very same night and discussed about
its special aspects with Dr Kalam. He got permission to translate the book into Tamil and
promised to help clarify doubts, if any. Nearly 10 to 15 titles were suggested and finally 'Ezhuchi Deepangal' was
selected.
They wanted to release the book on October15,
2003, the date being Dr Kalam's birthday, but it was released only on October
18, 2003. Pollachi Mahalingam released the book in Coimbatore. Abdul Kalam's 'Envisioning an Empowered Nation' is being translated as
'Udhayamagira Valimai Padaitha Bhaaratham' in Tamil by Sivalingam. The English book was co-authored by Dr Sivathanu Pillai, the
director of the BrahMos missile launch mission.
Dr Kalam's favourite book is 'Light from
Many Lamps', a book which is based on the lives of people who have been a turning point on the global stage.
"He expressed his desire to write such a book in Tamil with me and this invitation to co-author his book was itself like receiving
the Bharat Ratna award," reminisces
Sivalingam.
"He is such a wonderful
man...He is always active and enthusiastic and I have never seen him
otherwise...we have a lot to
learn from him," Sivalingam concludes.
It will be no exaggeration to say that Sivalingam has the honour of being Dr Kalam's favourite translator.
K T SRI
Translated by Radha N
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