“Translation is a difficult task and it is not easy to comprehend all its aspects.” Says renowned poet, playwright, translator and columnist Amjad Islam Amjad
“Translation is a difficult task and it is not easy to comprehend all its aspects. Translation form one language to another is a craft. It can be refined only by determination, hard work and ambition. Language is a complicated process. There are many local references in each language and without grasping those references, the thoughts of one language cannot be converted into the other language. The development of societies is based upon the progress of language but the evolution of internationalism is because of multilingual translations. A good translator should always keep in mind the cultural study of languages. The establishment of Centre for Languages & Translation Studies (CELTS) in University of Gujrat (UOG) is an historical phenomenon.” These views were expressed by the renowned poet, playwright, translator and columnist Amjad Islam Amjad while addressing as the Chief Guest of a Seminar on “Translation and its Demands” organized by Centre for Languages & Translation Studies (CELTS), University of Gujrat. He further said, “I am feeling pleasure while talking to the enthusiastic students of UOG. Life is continuity and each generation transfer knowledge and experience to the next generation and in this way the life cycle advances on this globe. We can observe this continuity of life in our educational institutions in a better way. As far as translation work from one language to another is concerned, this should be vivid. The reader should not feel any interruption while communication of ideas.” Prof Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin, Vice Chancellor UOG said in his welcoming remarks, “The craft of translation has always been given importance in Muslim civilization. In Muslim Spain many works of translation were completed from Greek into Arabic. In India, Osmania University established by the Nizam of Deccan is famous for translation work into Urdu. Books of many languages and of different disciplines were translated into Urdu on a large scale under the banner of Osmania University. This venture enriched Urdu language and helped to enhance the intellectual level of Urdu. No language can progress without advancement of knowledge. In Pakistan UOG is the only university in which Centre for Languages & Translation Studies (CELTS) has been established. It will help in the promotion and research of languages. The basic aim of translation is the transfer of ideas from one language into the other. If the communication is not successful, it means the demand of translation has not been achieved. It is essential for a translator to understand the culture and civilization of different languages. The objective of translation should be to improve relations among different nations and societies. It can help us to establish a global society. A language can be enriched only by qualitative translations in different fields of knowledge. Translation can also be helpful in cultural evolution. I congratulate Mr Ghulam Ali, Coordinator CELTS and his team for organizing this seminar. I am also thankful to Ambassador Tauheed Ahmad for his kind help as Advisor CELTS. Advisor CELTS, Tauheed Ahmad said, “Commitment in life is most important thing. I hope that students will have learned some basics of translation studies in this seminar. UOG has accomplished a great job by establishing Centre for Languages & Translation Studies (CELTS). I am confident that CELTS will play an important role in the promotion of Pakistani languages.” Mr Rashid Ullah Butt, a Faculty Member presented English translation of a ghazal by Amjad Islam Amjad. The students raised many thought provoking questions about the craft of translation in this seminar. This seminar was started with the recitation of the verses of the Holy Quran by Hafiza Munazza Akhtar and Naat by Miss Mah Jabeen Anwar. Miss Farea Shaheen and Mr Muhammad Umer performed the duties of Stage Secretary. A large number of students and faculty members attended this Seminar. Director SSC Prof Syed Shabbir Hussain Shah and Director Media & Publications Shaikh Abdul Rashid also graced the stage along with the respectable guests.
