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In a landmark moment for Indian literature, writer, lawyer, and activist Banu Mushtaq has become the first Kannada author to win the International Booker Prize, securing the £50,000 award for her acclaimed short story collection Hridaya Deepa (Heart Lamp). Mushtaq received the honour during a ceremony at London's Tate Modern, joined by Deepa Bhasthi, who translated the book from Kannada into English.

The award marks a historic milestone not only for Mushtaq but for Kannada literature as a whole, which has now earned a prominent place on the global literary map.

Heart Lamp: Celebrations Across Karnataka

Back home, political leaders across party lines hailed Mushtaq’s achievement as a proud moment for the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated the author on social media, writing, “Heartiest congratulations to the proud Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq for winning the International Booker Prize for Literature. This is a time to celebrate Kannada, Kannadigas and Karnataka. I wish she would continue to write meaningfully for many more years and spread the vibe of Kannada to the world, Siddaramaiah posted on ‘X’.

He further praised Mushtaq for embodying values of harmony, secularism, and fraternity, and expressed hope that she would continue to inspire the world with her writing.

He also extended appreciation to Deepa Bhasthi, crediting her translation for taking Kannada literature to an international readership.

Former Chief Minister and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also lauded the recognition, calling it “a proud moment for all Kannadigas.” He praised both Mushtaq for her literary excellence and Bhasthi for her role in bridging linguistic boundaries.

Echoing the admiration, BJP State President BY Vijayendra highlighted the historical significance of the award. "I congratulate Banu Mushtaq for bringing Kannada literature to the global forefront and making Kannadigas proud. May she continue to enrich Kannada literature with more remarkable works," he said.

Hridaya Deepa explores themes of identity, womanhood, and social justice with emotional depth and linguistic elegance, earning praise from critics and readers alike.