Indian writer, lawyer, and activist Banu Mushtaq has been awarded the prestigious International Booker Prize for her acclaimed short story anthology, Heart Lamp. The announcement was made during a Tuesday ceremony at London’s Tate Modern, marking a historic moment for Kannada literature.
Heart Lamp is the first book written in Kannada to receive this coveted literary honour. The anthology features 13 compelling short stories penned over three decades (1990-2023), focusing on the struggles and resilience of Muslim women in Southern India.
Expressing their congratulations, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy lauded Mushtaq’s remarkable achievement.
Siddaramaiah said, “Heartfelt congratulations to Banu Mushtaq, the proud Kannada writer honoured with the International Booker Prize. This is a moment of celebration for Kannada, Kannadigas, and Karnataka.” He praised Mushtaq for embracing the values of harmony, secularism, and brotherhood rooted in Karnataka and for elevating Kannada literature globally.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged Deepa Bhasthi, the talented translator who rendered Heart Lamp (originally Hridaya Deepa) into English, enabling the book to reach a wider audience.
Union Minister Kumaraswamy echoed the sentiments, calling it “a proud moment for all Kannadigas.” He wished Mushtaq continued success in enriching Kannada literature and spreading its influence worldwide.
Banu Mushtaq’s writing journey began early in life, marked by courage and conviction. Despite facing backlash, including fatwas and attacks for her outspoken narratives about Muslim women’s resilience, she persisted in voicing their stories.
Upon receiving the prize, Mushtaq described the honour as a triumph for diversity and inclusiveness. Her work stood out from a shortlist of six titles from around the world, highlighting the global relevance of her stories.
Heart Lamp not only illuminates marginalized voices but also celebrates women’s strength and spirit, making it a milestone in contemporary Indian and world literature.
