ABSTRACT
How to translate the terse simplicity and innate musicality of the sacrosanct Sikh scripture? A daunting task to begin with, and its English translations have been weighed down by Christian theological terms that are hard to shake off. For me, the translation task mandates a ‘visceral’ reading of this religious text, a sensuous hearing in the original language—with every syllable respected, with the Panjabi lyrics making their entry into the mouth of the translator. Such a corporeal experience of the original lyrics makes a translator receptive to their newness and uniqueness. In my translations, intrinsic sound and sense echo. Ultimately, medieval Panjabi and modern English affirm each other, voice each other, and as I see it, even tenderly embrace each other.
