Bengaluru initiative aims at taking richness of Indian-language literature to English readers

A new Bengaluru-based literary initiative, Hyphen hopes to take the richness of Indian-language literature to English readers. Founded by writer and trustee of Bahuvachana Trust, Vivek Shanbhag the initiative aims to bridge this gap by creating an ecosystem dedicated to literary translation.

Launching this Sunday, Hyphen comprises three initiatives: 'Hyphen: Connecting Literature', a biannual English-language journal; a digital platform; and a publishing house dedicated to bringing landmark works from Indian languages into English. Writer-translator Deepa Ganesh is its editor-in-chief.

Vivek believes the journal format allows for greater diversity. "A journal can contain around 20 entries, whereas a book introduces you to one writer," he adds. Launching alongside the journal, the digital platform will feature videos, talks, photo essays, mentorship programmes, fellowships, publisher forums and an online bookshop dedicated to translated literature. "We want to make it a one-stop shop for translations and will include books by other publishers as well" Vivek says.

The inaugural 272-page features fiction, poetry, plays, interviews and photo essays across nine Indian languages, including Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and Kashmiri, with Marathi as the language in focus. Each issue carries its own ISBN. A single issue costs Rs 799, while an annual subscription (two issues) is priced at Rs 1,299, and includes complimentary digital access.

In the pipeline

The initiative also aim to "nurture future readers and translators". Through its outreach programme, it has already engaged students across 18 colleges in Karnataka and plans to establish clubs, organise literary and translation activities and launch student writing contests while offering discounted subscriptions, says Vivek.

Launch event, July 26, 11 am, at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. Entry free. For details, check the-hyphen.in