Indian Writer Banu Mushtaq Wins International Booker Prize for Kannada Collection

Indian writer, lawyer, and activist Banu Mushtaq has made history by winning the International Booker Prize for her short story collection 'Heart Lamp,' the first Kannada-language work to receive this prestigious award. The anthology, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, features 12 stories spanning three decades that explore the struggles and resilience of Muslim women in southern India through a vivid, colloquial, and moving narrative style. The award ceremony was held at London's Tate Modern, where Mushtaq and Bhasthi were both recognized for their contributions. Mushtaq's win has been widely celebrated in Karnataka, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy congratulating her and highlighting her role in promoting Kannada literature internationally. The judges praised the collection for its radical translation and fresh perspective, noting its ability to challenge and expand readers' understanding of language and culture. Mushtaq’s personal journey of overcoming societal constraints and her commitment to portraying women’s experiences resonate deeply throughout the work, marking a significant milestone for Indian and Kannada literature on the global stage.