TRANSLATION STUDIES

 Translation Studies | Worksheet

Hello everyone! Welcome to this blog dedicated to Translation Studies. In this post, I’ll explore a few poems and their translations into Hindi and Gujarati with the assistance of OpenAI. This activity is part of an assignment given by Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. If you’d like more details about the task, you can check out Teacher's blog.

Poem 1:

Ahmed Faiz's Urdu Poem
"Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat Mirii Mehboob Na Maang"

Original Poem (Urdu)

میں نے سمجھا تھا کہ تو ہے تو درخشاں ہے حیات
تیرا غم ہے تو غم دہر کا جھگڑا کیا ہے

تیری صورت سے ہے عالم میں بہاروں کو ثبات
تیری آنکھوں کے سوا دنیا میں رکھا کیا ہے

تو جو مل جائے تو تقدیر نگوں ہو جائے
یوں نہ تھا میں نے فقط چاہا تھا یوں ہو جائے

اور بھی دکھ ہیں زمانے میں محبت کے سوا
راحتیں اور بھی ہیں وصل کی راحت کے سوا

ان گنت صدیوں کے تاریک بہیمانہ طلسم
ریشم و اطلس و کمخاب میں بنوائے ہوئے

جا بہ جا بکتے ہوئے کوچہ و بازار میں جسم
خاک میں لتھڑے ہوئے خون میں نہلائے ہوئے

جسم نکلے ہوئے امراض کے تنوروں سے
پیپ بہتی ہوئی گلتے ہوئے ناسوروں سے

لوٹ جاتی ہے ادھر کو بھی نظر کیا کیجے
اب بھی دل کش ہے ترا حسن مگر کیا کیجے

اور بھی دکھ ہیں زمانے میں محبت کے سوا
راحتیں اور بھی ہیں وصل کی راحت کے سوا

مجھ سے پہلی سی محبت مری محبوب نہ مانگ

English Translation

By ChatGPT

I once thought your presence made life radiant and bright,
With your grief as my own, no sorrow seemed a fight.

From your beauty, eternal spring would never fade,
Beyond your eyes, what value could the world have displayed?

To gain your love, fate itself I’d have defied,
But alas, it was only a dream I once implied.

Sorrows abound in this world beyond love’s cruel art,
Joys exist, too, apart from two lovers’ heart.

Centuries of darkness, cruel enchantments persist,
In silks and brocades, yet bound by pain they consist.

Bodies sold in streets, sullied in blood and dust,
Emerging from sickness, consumed by flames unjust.

Though beauty remains, it still tempts the heart’s allure,
But sorrows of the world weigh heavy, that’s for sure.

So ask me not for the love I once gave before,
For those naive dreams are gone, lost evermore.

Hindi Translation

By ChatGPT

मैंने समझा था कि तू है तो उजाला है जीवन,
तेरा ग़म है तो सभी दुःखों का हल है यह मन।

तेरे चेहरे से है दुनिया में बहारों का सबब,
तेरी आँखों के सिवा और रखा क्या है अब।

तू मिले तो भाग्य भी झुक जाए मेरे सामने,
ऐसा न था, मैंने बस चाहा था वैसा होने।

और भी दुख हैं जहाँ में मोहब्बत के सिवा,
सुख और भी हैं मिलन की राहत के सिवा।

अनगिनत सदियों के काले, वहशी तिलिस्म,
रेशमी कपड़ों में लिपटे, पर भयंकर निशान।

शहरों और बाज़ारों में बिकते हुए ये तन,
धूल में सने हुए, खून में भीगे हुए मन।

बीमारी की भट्टियों से निकले ये शरीर,
फोड़े-फुंसी से बहती पीप, दर्द का असीर।

फिर भी नजर लौटती है तेरे हुस्न की ओर,
अब भी सुंदर है तू, पर क्या करें यह जोर।

और भी दुख हैं जहाँ में मोहब्बत के सिवा,
सुख और भी हैं मिलन की राहत के सिवा।

पहली-सी मोहब्बत मुझसे मत मांग, ऐ प्रिये,
वे मासूम ख्वाब अब खो गए, समय के साथ दिए।

Analysis: Language, Culture, and Translation

The original Urdu poem exemplifies the lyrical depth and cultural richness of classical ghazals. Words like "تقدیر" (fate) and "طلسم" (enchantment) capture the mystical and romantic tones of South Asian poetry. The Hindi translation closely reflects this richness due to the cultural and linguistic affinity between Urdu and Hindi. It preserves the poem's essence, sound, and rhythm effectively.

On the other hand, the English translation faces challenges due to structural differences and cultural nuances. While it conveys the poem's core themes and emotions, some depth and musicality are inevitably lost.

Key Challenges and Resolutions

• Cultural Nuances: Urdu’s deeply symbolic words like "آنکھیں" (eyes) were adapted as “radiant life” to make sense in English.
• Sound and Rhythm: Hindi preserved the original’s musicality, while English relied on accessible phrasing.

Exploring Gemini’s Translation: A Linguistic and Cultural Study

Translations

English Version

"I thought you were the sun, life's radiant light,
Your sorrow made the world's troubles seem slight.

Your beauty lent permanence to fleeting spring,
Beyond your eyes, the world held nothing to bring.

To find you was to meet fate's final grace,
I sought no more in any time or space.

But life has pains beyond love's fleeting sting,
Comfort lies in joys far from lovers' clinging.

Centuries of dark enchantments hold sway,
In silk and satin, bodies sold away.

In streets and markets, human forms are cast,
Stained by dirt and blood, shadows of the past.

Emerging from disease's cruel furnace,
Flesh marred by sores, festering in darkness.

Though beauty remains, it still draws the gaze,
Yet what use is it in such cruel displays?

So, ask me not for the love of old,
For time has withered the dreams it once told."

Hindi Version

"मैंने सोचा था तू है तो जीवन का उजाला है,
तेरा दुःख संसार के सारे संघर्ष को हल्का है।

तेरी खूबसूरती से बसंत स्थायी रहता है,
तेरी आँखों के सिवा संसार में क्या रखा है।

तुझे पाना था किस्मत का सर्वोच्च तोहफ़ा,
इसके सिवा मैंने कुछ और न माँगा।

परंतु जीवन में प्रेम के दर्द से परे भी कष्ट हैं,
मिलन की ख़ुशी से परे भी सुख हैं।

सदियों से अंधकारमय जादू का राज,
रेशम और साटन में बंधे शरीरों का आज।

हर गली और बाज़ार में बिका हुआ तन,
धूल और खून में सना हुआ हर जन।

बीमारी की भट्टी से निकला हुआ शरीर,
फोड़े और घावों से भरा हुआ हर अंश।

तेरी सुंदरता अब भी मन मोह लेती है,
लेकिन क्या करे मन, जब नियम निर्दयी होते हैं।

तो मुझसे पहली जैसी मोहब्बत न माँग,
वह सपने अब समय की धूल में खो गए हैं।"

Analysis

Syntax and Sound

The original Urdu version of the poem uses parallel structures, particularly in lines like "اور بھی دکھ ہیں زمانے میں محبت کے سوا" (There are other sorrows in the world besides love). This creates a rhythmic quality that resonates deeply with the reader. The poem’s melody emerges from the intricate consonant clusters and vowel harmonies typical of Urdu. Both translations strive to capture this rhythm, but while Hindi remains close to the original, English requires creative adaptations for similar flow.

Imagery and Symbols

Faiz masterfully intertwines luxury with suffering. The references to silk and satin symbolize affluence, but juxtaposed with bodies soiled by dust and blood, these elements highlight human exploitation. The marketplace becomes a metaphor for dehumanization, showing the loss of individuality amid societal decay.

Cultural Context

The Urdu original is deeply rooted in the socio-political climate of its time. Themes of inequality and suffering resonate universally, but their cultural weight is particularly pronounced in the Indian subcontinent. The Hindi translation preserves this context effectively, leveraging the linguistic closeness between Urdu and Hindi. However, the English version, while poignant, inevitably loses some cultural specificity.

 Poem 2: W. B. Yeats's "The Second Coming"

Original Poem

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

Hindi Translation

विस्तृत घेरे में घूमते हुए,
बाज़ अब बाज़ के प्रशिक्षक को नहीं सुनता;
सब कुछ बिखर जाता है, केंद्र अपनी पकड़ खो देता है।
दुनिया में केवल अराजकता फैली हुई है,
खून-भरी लहरें उफान पर हैं और हर ओर
निर्दोषता की परंपरा डूब रही है।
श्रेष्ठ जन विश्वास से रहित हैं, जबकि
दुष्टजन क्रोध और तीव्रता से भरे हुए हैं।

निश्चित ही कोई रहस्योद्घाटन होने वाला है;
दूसरा आगमन अब पास है।
दूसरा आगमन! इन शब्दों के उच्चारण के साथ ही
एक विशाल छवि, Spiritus Mundi से उत्पन्न,
मेरी दृष्टि को परेशान करती है: कहीं रेगिस्तान की रेत में
एक आकृति, जिसमें शेर का शरीर और मनुष्य का सिर है,
सूरज जैसी निर्मम और कठोर दृष्टि के साथ,
धीरे-धीरे अपने पैर हिलाते हुए चलती है, और चारों ओर
गुस्से से भरे रेगिस्तानी पक्षियों की परछाइयाँ घूमती हैं।
अंधकार फिर छा जाता है; लेकिन अब मुझे पता है कि
बीस शताब्दियों की कठोर नींद
एक झूले से कष्टमय स्वप्न में बदल गई थी।
और कौन-सा वह कठोर प्राणी है, जिसकी घड़ी अब आ गई है,
जो बेतलेहम की ओर झुकता हुआ जन्म लेने जा रहा है।

Gujarati Translation

વિસ્તૃત ગોળમાં ફરતું,
બાજ હવે તેના સંચાલકને સાંભળતો નથી.
બધું વિખેરાઈ રહ્યું છે, કેન્દ્ર હમણાં ટકી શકતું નથી.
માત્ર અશાંતિ જ જગતમાં છવાઈ રહી છે,
લોહીથી ભરેલા મોજાં છૂટી રહ્યાં છે અને દરેક જગ્યાએ
પવિત્રતાના ઉત્સવ ડૂબી રહ્યાં છે.
શ્રેષ્ઠ લોકોના મનમાં વિશ્વાસની અછત છે, જ્યારે
નરસ લોકો તેજસ્વી હિંસાથી ભરેલા છે.

ખબર પડે છે કે કંઈક મહાન આગળ આવી રહ્યું છે;
બીજું આગમન હવે નજીક છે.
બીજું આગમન! એ શબ્દ બોલતા જ
એક વિશાળ દ્રશ્ય Spiritus Mundiમાંથી પ્રગટ થાય છે,
મારી દ્રષ્ટિ ખલેલ પામી છે: ક્યાંક રેતીના રણમાં
એક આકૃતિ જે સિંહના શરીર અને માનવીના મગજ ધરાવે છે,
સૂર્ય જેવી કઠોર નજર સાથે ધીરે ધીરે આગળ વધે છે.
આ આકૃતિની આસપાસ રણના પક્ષીઓના આક્રોશથી ભરેલા શેડો ફરતા રહે છે.
હવે અંધકાર ફરીથી છવાઈ જાય છે; પરંતુ હવે મને ખબર છે
કે વીસ શતાબ્દીઓનો ઊંઘો આ પાંગળા ખોળાની અસરથી
ભયાનક સ્વપ્નમાં ફેરવાઈ ગયો હતો.
અને એ કઠોર જીવ કઈ દિશામાં છે, જેનો સમય હવે આવ્યો છે,
જે બેથલહેમ તરફ આગળ વધે છે જન્મ લેવા માટે?

Analysis

Syntax, Sound, and Metre

Yeats crafts "The Second Coming" in free verse, employing loose iambic rhythms that embody disorder and fragmentation. His use of enjambment and abrupt transitions heightens the sense of collapse. While the Hindi and Gujarati translations adapt the rhythm to align with the natural cadence of these languages, they effectively mirror the poem's chaotic mood.

Lexicon, Grammar, and Semiotic Features

The original poem relies on evocative words such as "anarchy" and "rough beast" to symbolize upheaval. Its grammar reflects uncertainty with its fragmented structure. Both translations successfully replicate the emotional intensity by choosing strong phrases like "रक्त-लवणित धारा" in Hindi and "લોહી ભરેલું દરિયો" in Gujarati. The apocalyptic imagery remains intact, ensuring the poem's dark tone and symbolic richness are preserved.

Cultural Connotations

Rooted in Western apocalyptic lore, symbols like the "Second Coming" and "rough beast" are reinterpreted through the lens of Hindi and Gujarati cultures while retaining their global resonance. The translations maintain core images such as the falcon and lion, ensuring Yeats's universal message of chaos and transformation transcends cultural boundaries.

Gemini's Hindi Translation:

चक्रवृत्त में घूमता-फिरता, विस्तृत होता हुआ
बाज़ शिकारी को नहीं सुन पाता;
सब कुछ बिखर रहा है; केंद्र टूट रहा है;
दुनिया पर सिर्फ अराजकता छाई हुई है,
रक्तरंजित ज्वार छूटा है, और हर जगह
मासूमियत का अनुष्ठान डूब रहा है;
सर्वश्रेष्ठ में कोई दृढ़ विश्वास नहीं है, जबकि निकृष्टतम
जुनूनी तीव्रता से भरे हुए हैं।

निश्चित ही कोई प्रकटीकरण समीप है;
निश्चित ही दूसरा आगमन समीप है।
दूसरा आगमन! मुश्किल से ही ये शब्द निकले
जब आत्मा मुंडी से एक विशाल प्रतिमा
मेरी दृष्टि को भ्रमित करती है: कहीं रेगिस्तान की बालू में
एक आकृति, शेर का शरीर और मनुष्य का सिर,
दृष्टि शून्य और निर्दयी सूर्य की तरह,
अपनी धीमी जांघें हिला रही है, जबकि इसके चारों ओर
क्रोधित रेगिस्तानी पक्षियों की छायाएँ डोल रही हैं।
अंधेरा फिर से छा जाता है; लेकिन अब मैं जानता हूँ
कि पत्थर की नींद की बीस सदियाँ
एक डोलते हुए पालने से दुःस्वप्न में विचलित हो गई थीं,
और वह कौन सा कठोर जानवर है, जिसका समय आखिरकार आ गया है,
बेथलहम की ओर लंगड़ाता हुआ जन्म लेने के लिए?

Gemini's Gujarati Translation:

વધતો જતો વર્તુળ ઘૂમી ઘૂમીને
બાજ પણ શિકારીને સાંભળી શકતો નથી;
બધું જ વિખેરાઈ રહ્યું છે; કેન્દ્ર ટકી શકતું નથી;
દુનિયામાં માત્ર અરાજકતા છવાયેલી છે,
લોહીથી રંગાયેલો જવાર છૂટી પડ્યો છે, અને દરેક જગ્યાએ
નિર્દોષતાના વિધિઓ ડૂબી રહ્યા છે;
શ્રેષ્ઠમાં કોઈ દ્રઢ વિશ્વાસ નથી, જ્યારે કેદીયો
જુસ્સાદાર તીવ્રતાથી ભરેલા છે।

નિશ્ચિત જ કોઈ પ્રકટીકરણ નજીક છે;
નિશ્ચિત જ બીજું આગમન નજીક છે।
બીજું આગમન! આ શબ્દો બહાર નીકળતાં જ
આત્મા મુન્ડીમાંથી એક વિશાળ છબી
મારી દ્રષ્ટિને ખલેલ પહોંચાડે છે: ક્યાંક રણની રેતીમાં
સિંહનું શરીર અને માણસનું માથું ધરાવતી એક આકૃતિ,
દ્રષ્ટિ શૂન્ય અને નિર્દય સૂર્યની જેમ,
ધીમે ધીમે પોતાની જાંઘો હલાવી રહી છે, જ્યારે તેની આસપાસ
ક્રોધિત રણપક્ષીઓની છાયાઓ ડોલી રહી છે।
અંધકાર ફરીથી ઢંકાઈ જાય છે; પરંતુ હવે હું જાણું છું
કે પથ્થરની ઊંઘની વીસ સદીઓ
એક ઝૂલતા પલંગથી દુઃસ્વપ્નમાં વિક્ષોભિત થઈ હતી,
અને કયો કઠોર જાનવર છે, જેનો સમય આખરે આવી પહોંચી રહ્યો છે,
બેથલહેમ તરફ ઢીમી ગતિએ જન્મ લેવા માટે આવી રહ્યો છે?

Analysis of Syntax, Sound, and Meter

The Gujarati translation mirrors the structure of the original poem with a fluid rhythm that stays true to its thematic intensity. Though subtle variations in meter arise due to linguistic differences, the translation captures the mood of the original well. Gujarati’s phonetic richness and its blend of vowel-consonant harmony create a unique auditory experience, making the translated work melodious. The use of devices like repetition and rhythmic balance preserves the emotional depth of the poem.

Lexicon, Grammar, and Semiotic Implications

Key phrases in the Gujarati version—such as "વધતો જતો વર્તુળ" (widening gyre) and "અરાજકતા" (anarchy)—deliver powerful imagery consistent with the original text. The language used effectively conveys both the dark foreboding and the surreal quality of Yeats's imagery. The symbolic contrast of a lion's body with a human head retains its enigmatic essence in translation. Although cultural weight shifts, the reference to "Bethlehem" remains effective as a marker of an apocalyptic setting.

Cultural Resonance and Interpretative Nuances

While Yeats’s apocalyptic themes are universal, their resonance in Gujarati-speaking contexts may differ. However, the translation bridges this gap by choosing words and expressions that reflect the universal nature of societal collapse and existential dread. The imagery of "indignant desert birds" and "widening gyre" finds compelling equivalence, ensuring cultural relatability without sacrificing poetic essence.

In essence, the translation retains the complexity of Yeats's iconic work while adapting it for a Gujarati-speaking audience. It highlights the challenges of cross-cultural interpretation yet succeeds in preserving the beauty and gravity of the original poem.

 Poem 3: "મજા જિંદગી છે હસો ને હસાવો" by ભાનુશંકર વ્યાસ 'બાદરાયણ'

Original Poem: 

મજા જિંદગી છે હસો ને હસાવો,
પ્રણયગાનના સૂર ઉરથી વહાવો.
વહી જાય તો કાળ પાછો ન આવે,
લઈ લો ને જીવન તણો સર્વ લ્હાવો.

અનીતિ ને નીતિ છે જૂઠું બધુંયે,
બધાં બંધનો એહ દૂરે ફગાવો.

જુઓ આસપાસે ચમનમાં નથી ફૂલો,
ખીલ્યાં એવી ખૂશબોને અંતર જગાવો.

ભરી છે મજા કેવી કુદરત મહીં જો,
જિગર-બીન એવું તમેયે બજાવો.

ભૂલી જાઓ દુ:ખો ને દર્દો બધાંયે,
અને પ્રેમ-મસ્તીને અંતર જગાવો.

ડરો ના, ઓ દોસ્તો! જરા મૃત્યુથીયે,
અરે મૃત્યુને પણ હસીને હસાવો.

— ભાનુશંકર વ્યાસ 'બાદરાયણ'

ChatGPT's Hindi Translation:

जीवन आनंद है, तो हंसो और दूसरों को भी हंसाओ,
प्रेम के गीतों की धुनें अपने दिल से बहाओ।
समय गुजर जाता है, वापस नहीं आता,
जीवन को अपना लो, हर एक पल का आनंद उठाओ।

अनीति और नीति सब कुछ झूठा है,
सभी बंधनों को दूर फेंक दो, और स्वतंत्र हो जाओ।

चारों ओर देखो, जहां फूल नहीं खिले,
वहां भी खुशबू से अपने अंदर की खुशियाँ जगाओ।

देखो, प्रकृति में कितनी मज़ा है,
अपना जीवन इसी प्रेम से जीते चलो।

सभी दुखों और दर्दों को भूल जाओ,
और अपने दिल में प्रेम और आनंद को जगाओ।

डरो मत, ओ दोस्तों! मृत्यु से भी,
मृत्यु को भी हंसते हुए हंसा दो।

ChatGPT's English Translation:

Life is a joy, so laugh and make others laugh,
Spread the melodies of love from your heart.
Time flows, never to return,
Seize life, and enjoy its every moment.

Injustice and justice are all but lies,
Cast away all ties, and break free from them.

Look around, where there are no flowers blooming,
Let the fragrances of joy arise from within.

How beautiful is the joy found in nature,
Live life with passion, without hesitation.

Forget all sorrows and pains,
And awaken love and happiness in your heart.

Fear not, O friends! Even from death,
Laugh and smile, even at the face of death.

Analysis:

Syntax, Sound, and Metre:

The syntax of this poem is simple yet profound, with short lines that create a rhythmic flow. The repetitive nature of some lines, especially in the first and last stanzas, gives the poem a musical quality, making it easily recitable. The use of imperative sentences like "Laugh and make others laugh" and "Forget all sorrows" conveys a motivational tone, urging the reader to live life fully. The poem's structure is conversational, directly addressing the audience as "O friends," enhancing the connection between the poet and the reader. The metre is steady, contributing to the poem's overall harmony and sense of peace.

Lexicon, Grammar, and Semiotic:

The lexicon used in the poem is simple, with everyday words like "flowers," "love," "life," and "death," which evoke universal feelings of joy and sorrow. These words are combined to convey a message of living life to the fullest, regardless of its challenges. The grammar is straightforward, adhering to a simple subject-verb-object structure that makes the poem easy to follow. Semiotic elements include the references to "flowers," "love," and "death," which carry deeper symbolic meanings: flowers symbolize beauty and joy, love represents the core of life, and death, often seen as a fearful event, is reimagined as something to face with joy.

Cultural Connotations and Collocations:

This poem is deeply rooted in Indian cultural values of optimism and embracing life with open arms. The poet encourages letting go of grief and celebrating life, which is a prevalent theme in Indian literature and philosophy. The line "Laugh and make others laugh" echoes the cultural importance of happiness and collective joy, which is often seen as a social responsibility. The mention of "death" in a lighthearted manner is reminiscent of the Indian perspective on mortality, which often encourages acceptance rather than fear. The poem's call to "seize life" and live it fully also aligns with the Indian philosophical notion of living in the moment, accepting life's impermanence, and focusing on the present.

 Gemini’s Translation

Original Poem: "મજા જિંદગી છે હસો ને હસાવો" by ભાનુશંકર વ્યાસ 'બાદરાયણ'

મજા જિંદગી છે હસો ને હસાવો,
પ્રણયગાનના સૂર ઉરથી વહાવો.
વહી જાય તો કાળ પાછો ન આવે,
લઈ લો ને જીવન તણો સર્વ લ્હાવો.

અનીતિ ને નીતિ છે જૂઠું બધુંયે,
બધાં બંધનો એહ દૂરે ફગાવો.

જુઓ આસપાસે ચમનમાં નથી ફૂલો,
ખીલ્યાં એવી ખૂશબોને અંતર જગાવો.

ભરી છે મજા કેટલી કુદરત મહીં જો,
જિગર-બીન એવું તમેયે બજાવો.

ભૂલી જાઓ દુ:ખો ને દર્દો બધાંયે,
અને પ્રેમ-મસ્તીને અંતર જગાવો.

ડરો ના, ઓ દોસ્તો! જરા મૃત્યુથીયે,
અરે મૃત્યુને પણ હસીને હસાવો.

— ભાનુશંકર વ્યાસ 'બાદરાયણ'

 Hindi Translation:

जीवन आनंद है, तो हंसो और दूसरों को भी हंसाओ,
प्रेम के गीतों की धुनें अपने दिल से बहाओ।
समय गुजर जाता है, वापस नहीं आता,
जीवन को अपना लो, हर एक पल का आनंद उठाओ।

अनीति और नीति सब कुछ झूठा है,
सभी बंधनों को दूर फेंक दो, और स्वतंत्र हो जाओ।

चारों ओर देखो, जहां फूल नहीं खिले,
वहां भी खुशबू से अपने अंदर की खुशियाँ जगाओ।

देखो, प्रकृति में कितनी मज़ा है,
अपना जीवन इसी प्रेम से जीते चलो।

सभी दुखों और दर्दों को भूल जाओ,
और अपने दिल में प्रेम और आनंद को जगाओ।

डरो मत, ओ दोस्तों! मृत्यु से भी,
मृत्यु को भी हंसते हुए हंसा दो।

 English Translation:

Life is a joy, so laugh and make others laugh,
Spread the melodies of love from your heart.
Time flows, never to return,
Seize life, and enjoy its every moment.

Injustice and justice are all but lies,
Cast away all ties, and break free from them.

Look around, where there are no flowers blooming,
Let the fragrances of joy arise from within.

How beautiful is the joy found in nature,
Live life with passion, without hesitation.

Forget all sorrows and pains,
And awaken love and happiness in your heart.

Fear not, O friends! Even from death,
Laugh and smile, even at the face of death.

Analysis:

Syntax, Sound, and Metre:

The syntax of the poem is simple yet profound. Short, crisp lines create a rhythmic flow, which feels almost musical. The repetitive phrases like "Laugh and make others laugh" or "Forget all sorrows" provide a sense of encouragement and urgency. These lines call for a sense of togetherness and positivity. The metre remains consistent, with each stanza designed to maintain a harmonic and soothing rhythm, invoking a sense of calm and joy. The poem's overall tone is motivational, urging the reader to embrace life and discard negative emotions.

Lexicon, Grammar, and Semiotic:

The vocabulary is quite simple and accessible, with words like "flowers," "love," "life," and "death" that are universally recognized. These words are not only easy to understand but also carry deep symbolic meanings. "Flowers" symbolize beauty and transient joy, "love" is the essence of life, and "death" is reimagined as something to be met with joy and acceptance, challenging its usual representation as something to fear. The grammar is straightforward, using basic sentence structures that make it easy for the reader to follow and engage with the message. The poem’s semiotics are rooted in universal symbols: flowers for beauty, love for vitality, and death for the inevitable.

Cultural Connotations and Collocations:

The poem embodies key aspects of Indian culture and philosophy, particularly the idea of living joyfully in the present moment, letting go of grief, and embracing life in all its facets. The line "Laugh and make others laugh" reflects the importance of collective happiness, often seen as a societal responsibility in Indian culture. The lighthearted treatment of death reflects a more accepting, spiritual perspective that is prevalent in Indian thought, where death is viewed not as an end but as a transition, often to be met with grace. The emphasis on "seizing life" aligns with the Indian philosophical notion of carpe diem and reminds the reader to live fully, appreciating every fleeting moment of existence.

 Poem 4: W. B. Yeats's "The Second Coming"

Original Poem: "जो बीत गई सो बात गई" By हरिवंशराय बच्चन

ChatGpt's Response 

जो बीत गई सो बात गई
जीवन में एक सितारा था।
माना वह बेहद प्यारा था
वह डूब गया तो डूब गया।

अम्बर के आनन को देखो
कितने इसके तारे टूटे।
कितने इसके प्यारे छूटे
जो छूट गए फिर कहाँ मिले।

पर बोलो टूटे तारों पर
कब अम्बर शोक मनाता है।

जो बीत गई सो बात गई
जीवन में वह था एक कुसुम।
थे उस पर नित्य निछावर तुम
वह सूख गया तो सूख गया।

मधुवन की छाती को देखो
सूखी कितनी इसकी कलियाँ।
मुरझाई कितनी वल्लरियाँ
जो मुरझाई फिर कहाँ खिलीं।

पर बोलो सूखे फूलों पर
कब मधुवन शोर मचाता है।

जो बीत गई सो बात गई
जीवन में मधु का प्याला था।
तुमने तन मन दे डाला था
वह टूट गया तो टूट गया।

मदिरालय का आँगन देखो
कितने प्याले हिल जाते हैं।
गिर मिट्टी में मिल जाते हैं
जो गिरते हैं कब उठते हैं।

पर बोलो टूटे प्यालों पर
कब मदिरालय पछताता है।

जो बीत गई सो बात गई
मृदु मिटटी के हैं बने हुए।
मधु घट फूटा ही करते हैं
लघु जीवन लेकर आए हैं।

प्याले टूटा ही करते हैं
फिर भी मदिरालय के अंदर।

मधु के घट हैं मधु प्याले हैं
जो मादकता के मारे हैं।

वे मधु लूटा ही करते हैं
वह कच्चा पीने वाला है।

जिसकी ममता घट प्यालों पर
जो सच्चे मधु से जला हुआ।

कब रोता है चिल्लाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई।

English Translation of the Poem:

"What Has Passed, Let It Go"
By Harivansh Rai Bachchan

What has passed, let it go,
There was once a star in life.
Though it was very dear,
If it sank, it sank.

Look at the face of the sky,
How many of its stars have fallen?
How many of its loved ones have parted,
Those who left, where can they be found again?

But tell me, on broken stars,
Does the sky ever mourn?

What has passed, let it go,
In life, there was a flower.
You offered it day and night,
If it dried up, it dried up.

Look at the chest of the garden,
How many of its buds have dried?
How many of its vines have wilted,
Those that wilted, where have they bloomed again?

But tell me, on dried flowers,
Does the garden ever raise a cry?

What has passed, let it go,
In life, there was a cup of nectar.
You gave your body and soul,
If it broke, it broke.

Look at the court of the tavern,
How many cups shake and fall?
They fall and merge into the earth,
Do the fallen cups ever rise again?

But tell me, on broken cups,
Does the tavern ever regret?

What has passed, let it go,
They are made of soft clay.
The nectar pots always break,
They come with a short life.

Cups always break,
Yet, inside the tavern,
There are nectar pots and cups,
Those who are intoxicated with passion.

They always steal the nectar,
The one who drinks the unripe nectar,
His affection for the cups is strong,
He who is burned by true nectar.

Does he ever cry or shout?
What has passed, let it go.

Gujarati Translation:

"જે બીત ગયું તે વાત ગઈ"
By Harivansh Rai Bachchan

જે બીત ગયું તે વાત ગઈ
જીવનમાં એક તારું હતું.
માણ્ય તે ખૂબ જ પ્યારું હતું,
તે ડૂબી ગયું તો ડૂબી ગયું.

આકાશના ચહેરાને જુઓ,
કેટલા આંસુના તારાં તૂટ્યા.
કેટલા તેના પ્રિય છૂટી ગયા,
જે છૂટી ગયા પછી કદી મળ્યા.

પરંતુ બોલો, તૂટેલા તારાઓ પર,
ક્યારે આકાશ શોક માનતો છે.

જે બીત ગયું તે વાત ગઈ,
જીવનમાં તે એક ફૂલ હતું.
આપણે તે પર અઢળક પ્રેમ કર્યો,
તે સુકાઈ ગયું તો સુકાઈ ગયું.

મધુવનની છાતી જુઓ,
કેટલા આ તેની કલીઓ સુકાઈ ગઈ.
કેટલા વલ્લરીઝ મરુઝાઈ,
જે મરુઝાઈ પછી કદી ખિલી નથી.

પરંતુ બોલો, સુકાયેલા ફૂલો પર,
ક્યારે મધુવન શુણ્ય મચાવે છે.

જે બીત ગયું તે વાત ગઈ,
જીવનમાં મીઠુંપાણીનું ગ્લાસ હતું.
તમે પોર્ટરીયલને આપ્યું,
તે તૂટી ગયું તો તૂટી ગયું.

મધુ મકાનને જુઓ,
કેટલા ગ્લાસો હિલી રહ્યાં છે.
ગટીને મીઠી મીઠી પદ્ધતિમાં મિલી રહ્યાં છે,
તૂટેલા ગ્લાસો ક્યારે ઊભા થાય છે.

પરંતુ બોલો, તૂટી ગયેલું ગ્લાસો પર,
ક્યારે મધુરાલય વિલંબ આવે છે.

Analysis of the Poem:

Syntax, Sound, and Metre:

The poem’s syntax is straightforward, with a conversational and reflective tone, encouraging the reader to embrace the philosophy of letting go of past losses. The sound of the poem is rhythmic, with repetitive structures like "What has passed, let it go," and "But tell me," which create a musical flow. These repeated refrains also emphasize the central theme of the inevitability of life's ups and downs. The metre is free verse, adding to the fluid nature of the poem, reinforcing the idea of moving on and not clinging to the past.

Lexicon, Grammar, and Semiotics:

The language is simple yet impactful, using everyday terms such as "star," "flower," "nectar," and "cups" which symbolize transient aspects of life. The grammar is basic, primarily subject-verb-object, making the message direct and easy to understand. Semiotic elements include metaphors like "flowers" representing fleeting beauty, "nectar" symbolizing life's sweetness, and "broken cups" standing for lost moments or opportunities. These symbols are widely understood and universal in their emotional appeal, especially when reflecting on loss and the passage of time.

Cultural Connotations and Collocations:

In Indian literature and philosophy, there is a long-standing tradition of reflecting on the impermanence of life and the acceptance of fate. The poet's approach to loss, in which he does not dwell in sorrow but instead urges acceptance, aligns with these cultural ideals. The focus on not mourning the past but rather embracing the present is common in Indian thought, particularly in the teachings of figures like Buddha and many philosophical schools like Advaita Vedanta, which emphasize living in the moment and letting go of attachment. The metaphor of "nectar" also carries connotations of spiritual fulfillment, which is fleeting but cherished when it exists.

Gemini's Response 

English Translation:

What has passed, let it go, There was once a star in life. Though it was very dear, If it sank, it sank. Look at the face of the sky, How many of its stars have fallen? How many of its loved ones have parted, Those who left, where can they be found again? But tell me, on broken stars, Does the sky ever mourn?

What has passed, let it go, In life, there was a flower. You offered it day and night, If it dried up, it dried up. Look at the chest of the garden, How many of its buds have dried? How many of its vines have wilted, Those that wilted, where have they bloomed again? But tell me, on dried flowers, Does the garden ever raise a cry?

What has passed, let it go, In life, there was a cup of nectar. You gave your body and soul, If it broke, it broke. Look at the court of the tavern, How many cups shake and fall? They fall and merge into the earth, Do the fallen cups ever rise again? But tell me, on broken cups, Does the tavern ever regret?

What has passed, let it go, They are made of soft clay. The nectar pots always break, They come with a short life. Cups always break, Yet, inside the tavern, There are nectar pots and cups, Those who are intoxicated with passion. They always steal the nectar, The one who drinks the unripe nectar, His affection for the cups is strong, He who is burned by true nectar. Does he ever cry or shout? What has passed, let it go.

Gujarati Translation:

જે બીત ગયું તે વાત ગઈ જીવનમાં એક તારું હતું. માણ્ય તે ખૂબ જ પ્યારું હતું, તે ડૂબી ગયું તો ડૂબી ગયું. આકાશના ચહેરાને જુઓ, કેટલા આંસુના તારાં તૂટ્યા. કેટલા તેના પ્રિય છૂટી ગયા, જે છૂટી ગયા પછી કદી મળ્યા. પરંતુ બોલો, તૂટેલા તારાઓ પર, ક્યારે આકાશ શોક માનતો છે.

જે બીત ગયું તે વાત ગઈ, જીવનમાં તે એક ફૂલ હતું. આપણે તે પર અઢળક પ્રેમ કર્યો, તે સુકાઈ ગયું તો સુકાઈ ગયું. મધુવનની છાતી જુઓ, કેટલા આ તેની કલીઓ સુકાઈ ગઈ. કેટલા વલ્લરીઝ મરુઝાઈ, જે મરુઝાઈ પછી કદી ખિલી નથી. પરંતુ બોલો, સુકાયેલા ફૂલો પર, ક્યારે મધુવન શુણ્ય મચાવે છે.

જે બીત ગયું તે વાત ગઈ, જીવનમાં મીઠુંપાણીનું ગ્લાસ હતું. તમે પોર્ટરીયલને આપ્યું, તે તૂટી ગયું તો તૂટી ગયું. મધુ મકાનને જુઓ, કેટલા ગ્લાસો હિલી રહ્યાં છે. ગટીને મીઠી મીઠી પદ્ધતિમાં મિલી રહ્યાં છે, તૂટેલા ગ્લાસો ક્યારે ઊભા થાય છે. પરંતુ બોલો, તૂટી ગયેલું ગ્લાસો પર, ક્યારે મધુરાલય વિલંબ આવે છે.

Analysis

Syntax, Sound, and Meter:

• Syntax: The poem employs a straightforward syntax, emphasizing a conversational and reflective tone.
• Sound: The use of repetition, particularly in the refrain "जो बीत गई सो बात गई" (What has passed, let it go), creates a rhythmic and memorable sound.
• Meter: The poem utilizes a free verse structure, allowing for flexibility and fluidity in expressing the poet's thoughts and emotions.

Lexicon, Grammar, and Semiotics:

• Lexicon: The poem employs simple yet evocative imagery, drawing upon everyday objects like stars, flowers, and cups to symbolize transient aspects of life.
• Grammar: The grammar is straightforward, primarily using subject-verb-object constructions, making the message direct and easy to understand.
• Semiotics: The poem is rich in symbolism:
  • Stars: Represent fleeting moments of joy and beauty.
  • Flowers: Symbolize the transience of life and the inevitability of withering.
  • Cups: Represent fleeting pleasures and the impermanence of material possessions.

Cultural Connotations and Collocations:

• The poem reflects the Indian philosophical tradition of accepting the impermanence of life and the inevitability of loss.
• The concept of "letting go" of the past aligns with the teachings of figures like Buddha and philosophical schools like Advaita Vedanta, which emphasize living in the present moment and detaching from worldly desires.