The award was conferred at a glittering ceremony at London’s Tate Modern, making Heart Lamp – by Banu Mushtaq – the first-ever Kannada language work to receive this global literary honour.
In a landmark moment for Indian literature, Bengaluru-based writer, lawyer, and activist Banu Mushtaq has won the prestigious International Booker Prize for her English-translated Kannada short story anthology, Heart Lamp. The award was conferred at a glittering ceremony at London’s Tate Modern, making Heart Lamp the first-ever Kannada language work to receive this global literary honour.
The win has triggered a cascade of congratulatory messages from across India’s political spectrum and literary circles, celebrating not only the author but also the emergence of Kannada literature on the world stage.
Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, is based on her original Kannada work Haseena Mattu Itara Kathegalu (Haseena and Other Stories). The anthology brings together 13 stories written over three decades—from 1990 to 2023—chronicling the lived experiences, resilience, and silent rebellions of Muslim women in Southern India. The narratives are raw and courageous, drawing from Mushtaq’s own struggles and advocacy for women’s rights.
In her acceptance speech, Mushtaq described the win as a “victory for diversity and the marginalised voices of India.” Despite facing backlash, fatwas, and personal attacks for her feminist standpoints within conservative circles, she has never wavered in her pursuit to amplify the voices of Muslim women.
Political Leaders Unite in Praise
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called Mushtaq’s achievement a “moment of celebration for Kannada, Kannadigas, and Karnataka,” hailing her as a writer who embodies the values of harmony, secularism, and brotherhood.
“She has brought great pride to us all by raising the flag of Kannada’s literary excellence on an international platform,” the Chief Minister said in a statement. He also extended warm congratulations to Deepa Bhasthi for her “exceptional” translation, without which the global recognition may not have been possible.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy echoed the sentiment, terming it “a proud moment for all Kannadigas.” He expressed hope that Mushtaq’s success would usher in a new era for Kannada literature on the international stage.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the Booker win as a “historic moment” for Indian literature. “It’s a proud affirmation that stories from the margins, when told with sincerity, can move the world,” he said, applauding both Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi for their roles in making the stories accessible to a global audience.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge noted that Mushtaq’s powerful portrayals of women’s quiet defiance and inner strength stand as a testament to her literary genius and social commitment. “Her remarkable achievement celebrates her literary genius and her powerful advocacy for harmony, secularism, and fraternity,” Kharge said.
Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa called the win a “proud milestone for our state, language, and cultural richness,” while BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra said the prize represents a moment of “immense pride” for all Kannadigas.
By taking Heart Lamp to the world, Mushtaq has not only garnered accolades but has shone a global spotlight on Kannada literature, which has long been rich but underrepresented in international literary forums.
Translator Deepa Bhasthi Also Celebrated
Significantly, Deepa Bhasthi has become the first Indian translator to win the International Booker Prize. The seamless and evocative translation of Hridaya Deepa into Heart Lamp was instrumental in its global success.
Bhasthi, known for her literary activism and work in promoting regional voices, said in her own statement that she felt honoured to carry “the emotional and cultural truths of these stories” to a new audience. “The translation is not just linguistic—it is a bridge across social and cultural realities,” she added.
The Woman Behind the Words
Banu Mushtaq began writing while still in school and has long used her pen to advocate for women’s rights within conservative communities. Her decision to marry a man of her choice, and her unrelenting commitment to gender justice, often made her a controversial figure among hardline religious factions. Yet, she remained undeterred.
The 13 stories in Heart Lamp are as much about individual survival as they are about collective dignity. They shed light on the quiet courage of Muslim women facing socio-political challenges, systemic neglect, and patriarchal barriers—stories rarely told, and even more rarely celebrated.
Mushtaq’s award-winning anthology was shortlisted from a list of six globally recognised works, reinforcing the significance of regional Indian languages and their power to transcend borders when given a global platform.
With her historic win, Banu Mushtaq has not only made Kannada literary history but has also inspired a new generation of writers from India’s diverse linguistic landscape. Her recognition stands as a beacon for inclusive storytelling, making it clear that voices from the margins have the power to shape mainstream literary discourse.
As celebrations continue in India and abroad, Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp is expected to see a surge in international readership, giving Kannada literature its long-overdue place on the global bookshelf.
