Translation serves as a bridge between knowledge and culture: PIB ADG Akhil Mishra

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 29, 2026

Emphasizing the pivotal role of translation in bridging linguistic and cultural divides, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Bhubaneswar, Akhil Kumar Mishra said that translation is not merely the conversion of words from one language to another, but a vital bridge that connects knowledge, ideas and culture. He underlined that while emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), have made translation easier and faster, human judgment, linguistic sensitivity and contextual relevance remain irreplaceable in ensuring meaningful and effective communication.

Mishra was addressing an interaction programme organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, with its empanelled translators and editors on Wednesday. The programme focused on enhancing the quality of translation and editing of government communication to ensure the timely, accurate and effective dissemination of government information in regional languages while strengthening multilingual communication across the country.

Presiding over the workshop, Mishra stressed that translation should always take into account linguistic and cultural contexts, appropriate terminology, grammatical accuracy and the comprehension capacity of readers. He observed that effective translation goes beyond literal interpretation and requires a deep understanding of the intent and nuances of the source language. Highlighting the growing influence of AI in language services, he noted that technology can serve as a useful aid but cannot replace the expertise and sensitivity of skilled human translators. He also emphasized the importance of regular interaction among translators and editors and advocated the creation of an active professional community to promote continuous learning, knowledge sharing and quality improvement.

Senior journalist Ashok Panda, speaking as a guest, described translation as far more than a profession, calling it a powerful medium for connecting society with knowledge, information and public discourse. He urged translators to focus not merely on remuneration or outcomes but on the larger purpose, quality and societal impact of their work. Encouraging them to build bridges across languages and cultures, Panda emphasized the need to develop "Cultural Agility" by nurturing an attitude of continuous learning and teaching, enabling translators to effectively convey ideas across diverse linguistic communities.

Delivering the keynote academic perspective, Debasis Mohapatra, Assistant Professor in the Department of Odia at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhubaneswar, described translation as a creative process that faithfully communicates the meaning, context and cultural essence of the source language into the target language. He pointed out that producing high-quality translations demands strong linguistic competence, sound knowledge of linguistics, cultural sensitivity and creative expression. While acknowledging that AI has significantly improved the accessibility and speed of translation, Mohapatra maintained that it cannot replicate human interpretation, contextual understanding or emotional expression, all of which are essential for accurate and meaningful communication.

The interaction programme featured extensive discussions on several critical aspects of government communication, including quality translation practices, the accurate use of technical terminology, timely translation and editing, and content development for digital media platforms. Empanelled translators and editors actively participated in the deliberations, sharing their professional experiences and offering constructive suggestions to further strengthen the translation and editorial process.

Participants unanimously emphasized the need for sustained coordination, regular dialogue and closer collaboration between PIB and its empanelled translators and editors to ensure that government information reaches citizens in a more accessible, effective and linguistically appropriate manner.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by M. P. Jena, Assistant Director, PIB, while Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media and Communication Officer, PIB Bhubaneswar, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the objectives and significance of the interaction. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Pradeep Kumar Choudhury, Assistant Director, CBC.