Banu Mushtaq Becomes First Kannada Author to Win International Booker Prize for ‘Heart Lamp’

Bengaluru: Renowned Kannada writer, lawyer, and activist Banu Mushtaq has made literary history by winning the prestigious International Booker Prize for her anthology Heart Lamp, a powerful collection of short stories that delve into the lives of Muslim women in southern India. The award was announced at a ceremony held at London’s Tate Modern on Tuesday, marking a landmark achievement for Kannada literature on the global stage.

The anthology, originally titled Hridaya Deepa in Kannada, was translated into English by writer Deepa Bhasthi, who has also received accolades for her contribution. The book is the first ever Kannada work to win the International Booker Prize and was shortlisted among six global titles.

Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy were among the first to congratulate Mushtaq on her historic win.

“Heartfelt congratulations to Banu Mushtaq, the proud Kannada writer who has been honoured with the International Booker Prize. This is a moment of celebration for Kannada, Kannadigas, and Karnataka,” Siddaramaiah said in a statement on Wednesday. “Mushtaq, who has embraced and expressed the true values of harmony, secularism, and brotherhood rooted in this land, has brought great pride to us all by raising the flag of Kannada’s literary excellence on an international platform.”

The Chief Minister also lauded Deepa Bhasthi for her skillful translation that made Mushtaq’s stories accessible to a global audience. “On behalf of all Kannadigas, I extend congratulations to Deepa Bhasthi for bringing Hridaya Deepa to the world stage,” he said.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy echoed these sentiments, calling the win a “proud moment for all Kannadigas.” He praised Mushtaq’s enduring contribution to literature and her commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized women. “May Banu Mushtaq continue to create many more such remarkable works,” he said. “I hope that Kannada literature grows even richer through her contributions, and that the fragrance of Kannada spreads across the world.”

Heart Lamp contains 13 short stories penned by Mushtaq between 1990 and 2023. Drawing on real experiences and socio-political realities, the anthology explores the hardships, resilience, and inner strength of Muslim women. Mushtaq, who began writing in school and famously married a man of her choice, has long been known for her bold storytelling that challenges patriarchal and orthodox structures. Her work has often drawn the ire of conservative elements, and she has even faced fatwas and threats. Yet, she never backed down from advocating for justice and dignity.

Accepting the award in London, Mushtaq called the recognition a “victory for diversity.” Her win not only affirms her voice as a writer but also signals a growing international appreciation for regional Indian literature and stories that break social silences.