The Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (DLHS), in collaboration with the Manipal Universal Press, hosted a book release of ‘The Pollen Waits on Tiptoe’, an English translation of renowned poet Da Ra Bendre’s poems at the MAHE – Bangalore campus on February 1, 2023. The release coincided with the 127^th birth anniversary of Da Ra Bendre.

This translation of 26 poems by Bendre was undertaken by Madhav Ajjampur and published by Manipal Universal Press. The chief guest of the event was the noted writer and translator Prof. Pramod Mutalik. The pro-vice chancellor of MAHE-Blr campus Dr. Pragna Rao, the chief editor of Manipal Universal Press and the Jean Monnet Chair Dr. Neeta Inamdar were among those present at the release of the book.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Pramod Mutalik stated that the translator’s task can sometimes be a thankless one but it is the translator who opens up the book to new audiences. Translation is difficult also because they can be denied permission to translate literary works. However, he appreciated Madhav as he was able to acquire the copyright of Da Ra Bendres work.

The event was a celebration of Da Ra Bendre who wrote in simple Kannada yet managed to convey very complex ideas. He wrote from his experiences and every word in his poems fit right in its place.