Kannada Work Achieves International Booker Nomination

Banu Mushtaq's Kannada short-story collection, 'Heart Lamp', has been longlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize, marking a significant achievement for Kannada literature. Translated by Deepa Bhasthi, the collection is praised for its vivid and witty storytelling, capturing the lives of women and girls in South Indian Muslim communities. This nomination is a milestone as it's the first Kannada work to be longlisted for this prestigious award, highlighting the global reach of Kannada storytelling. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Mushtaq herself have expressed pride over this recognition, which is seen as a step towards global appreciation of the language and culture. Mushtaq, a prominent voice for marginalized communities, began her writing career in the 1970s, and her works have been translated into multiple languages, gaining international acclaim.