The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Birth centenary of legendary Swedish writer A Lindgren was celebrated in the city on yesterday (Wednesday), by publishing her two renowned child-literary works with Bangla translation.

Astrid Lindgren, one of the foremost literary figures in Europe, who extensively wrote for children.

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka, writers and artists joined together at a programme to pay tributes to the Swedish writer. Swedish Ambassador in Dhaka, Britt F. Hagatrom attended the function as chief guest, held at the National Museum, with National Professor Kabir Chowdhury on chair.

The ambassador formally unfurled the Bangla version of the books of the Swedish writer, a publication of Ankur Prokashani, a private publication house.

Swedish ambassador Britt F. Hagatrom elaborated some aspects to project the writer's contribution in child literature.

"Books, written by Astrid Lindgren have been translated into 90 different languages, across the world. It's an honour to witness our literature is being translated and published in Bangla as well," said the ambassador.

"Million women like me who have grown up with child literacy, written by Astrid Lindgren on their shelf, knows how their lives have been changed by the characters of her works," she said.

According to her, A Lindgren's works have given confidence, generated motivation and shown dream to youngsters in European societies for a long time. By translation of her two famous books in local language, I believe, it would result into broadening mental horizon among young generations in Bangladesh, said added.

While presiding over the meeting, National Professor Kabir Chowdhury emphasised the shortage of quality literary work for children in Bangladesh. "We have neglected the child literature for long, which has resulted to major lack of understanding, in juvenile psychology. On the other hand, mentality of our youngsters also have been scattered," said Professor Kabir.

He, however, expected that the translation of such great work by A Lindgren would enrich our local literature.