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Supurna Dasgupta’s translation of Nilesh Raghuvanshi’s poem: उदासी – Melancholia (Hindi to English)

I keep repeating the same claim, over and over

That I am quite melancholic.


Instead of such endless repetition, wouldn’t it be better

To turn this frown upside down, darkness into light?


Learning from tea-leaves

Melancholia should alter its taste,

Melt and blend like crystals of sugar.


Melancholia needs a good rub down, like my back,

Be made to gleam like the sparkling floors of the mind,

Be metamorphosed with some soapy scrubbing.


Melancholia-Despair-Gloom

Enough of it already

As with last season’s clothes

We should make now room— 

And trade it away for glittery new vessels.

And like pomegranate seeds

Let melancholia glimmer through.

Supurna lives and teaches in Santa Clara (California), thinks and writes about literature and translation, embroiders half-sketched designs, and dreams up new classes to teach.
Neelesh Raghuvanshi is a celebrated Hindi poet known for her poignant and introspective verses that capture everyday life, human emotions, and societal nuances. Her poetry reflects a deep sensitivity towards relationships, personal struggles, and the complexities of existence. She has received critical acclaim and numerous accolades for her literary contributions, including the Vanmali Katha Samman and the Raza Foundation Award. Through her evocative and accessible writing, she continues to leave a lasting impact on contemporary Hindi literature.

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