World Translation Day Seminar at University of Gujrat

Translation plays a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps and fostering understanding among diverse communities. It allows people to share ideas, literature, and knowledge across different languages, making it an essential tool in our increasingly globalized world. Recognizing the significance of this art, the University of Gujrat (UoG) recently held a seminar to celebrate International Translation Day, emphasizing the importance of translation in promoting tolerance and cultural exchange.

The seminar took place at the Hafiz Hayat Campus and was organized by the Centre for Languages and Translation Studies (CeLTS), the UoG Translation Society, and the Student Services Centre (SSC). The event aimed to educate students in linguistics and translation studies about the vital role translation plays in cultural and civilizational contexts. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mushahid Anwar presided over the seminar, highlighting the importance of translation in restoring human dignity and promoting tolerance.

Among the distinguished guests were Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Dr. Zahid Yousaf, Media Director Sheikh Abdul Rashid, SSC Director Dr. Tahir Iqbal Awan, and renowned translators Rashid Butt and Muhammad Umar Ahsan. Dr. Kanwal Zahra, Chairperson of CeLTS, hosted the event, guiding discussions on the significance of translation in today’s world.

During the seminar, Dr. Mushahid Anwar emphasized that translation is not just about converting words from one language to another; it is about fostering understanding and respect among different cultures. He stated, "Translation promotes tolerance and restores the dignity of humanity." This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Zahid Yousaf, who described translation as a powerful tool to eliminate linguistic prejudice and unite people from various nationalities.

Sheikh Abdul Rashid also shared his insights, stating, "A translator with his command over various languages promotes cultural dynamism." He further explained that translation strengthens cultural ties between nations, enhancing mutual understanding. Rashid Butt added that literary and cultural translations broaden our intellectual horizons, introducing us to the great minds of the world. He stressed the importance of creative sensitivity in translation and advocated for showcasing Pakistani literature to a global audience.

To illustrate the beauty of translation, Rashid Butt captivated the audience with his English rendition of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem "Solitude," while Muhammad Umar Ahsan impressed attendees with his Urdu translation of a famous soliloquy from Christopher Marlowe’s play "Doctor Faustus." These performances highlighted the artistic side of translation, showcasing how it can bring literature to life in different languages.

Dr. Kanwal Zahra remarked that International Translation Day is a tribute to the hard work of translators, emphasizing the need to promote translation skills in Pakistan. Dr. Muhammad Javed Iqbal described translation as a natural process that enriches our understanding of various phenomena in nature.

As the seminar concluded, a cake was cut to celebrate the occasion, and honorary shields were presented to the distinguished guests. This event not only celebrated the art of translation but also served as a reminder of its importance in fostering understanding and tolerance in our diverse world.

The seminar at the University of Gujrat highlighted the vital role of translation in today’s society. As we continue to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate across languages and cultures becomes ever more important. By promoting translation skills and appreciating the work of translators, we can build a more tolerant and understanding global community.