Literature rarely travels without transformation. A sentence that feels natural in one language may appear over-explained in another. A joke may lose its rhythm in translation, while a cultural reference may require careful unpacking or none at all. Every act of translation becomes a series of interpretive choices shaped by meaning, tone, and cultural distance.

As Indian writing continues to move across linguistic and international boundaries, the role of the translator has evolved significantly. Once seen as a background intermediary, the translator is now emerging as a central voice within the literary ecosystem, shaping how stories are read, understood, and received across cultures.

In this context, Siyahi is launching a week-long writers’ retreat in August dedicated entirely to literary translation. Titled “Translations by Siyahi,” the programme will be held at the historic Samode Haveli in Jaipur and is positioned as India’s first residency focused exclusively on the craft, ethics, and future of literary translation.

The retreat will be led by Deepa Bhasthi, the first Indian translator to win the International Booker Prize for her acclaimed translation of Banu Mushtaq’s “Heart Lamp” from Kannada into English. Her leadership brings global recognition to the initiative and anchors the programme in contemporary translation practice and discourse.

Set between 1–8 August 2026, the residency will bring together writers and translators to explore key questions shaping modern publishing and translation theory. Discussions will include the responsibility of a translator to the original text, the balance between clarity and cultural nuance, and how translation decisions can either preserve or flatten linguistic identity.

At its core, the programme aims to examine how English and other global languages can adapt to India’s multilingual literary landscape without erasing its diversity. It also seeks to create a reflective space where translation is understood not merely as linguistic conversion but as a creative and ethical practice.

As intellectual and cultural exchange expands across India, Siyahi, under the guidance of Mita Kapur, continues to curate literary experiences that move beyond conventional formats and itineraries, focusing instead on immersive learning and dialogue.

At a time when Indian literature is gaining increasing global visibility, “Translations by Siyahi” positions the translator at the centre of the conversation, highlighting the unseen yet powerful role they play in carrying stories across worlds.

The programme also reflects a growing recognition that the future of Indian literature will be shaped not only by writers, but equally by those who translate, interpret, and reimagine it for new audiences.

For more information, visit: Siyahi Writers Retreats Chapter Five