The powerful voice of a Muslim woman from Karnataka earns international recognition, marking a historic first for Kannada literature and a proud moment for Indian storytelling.

Banu Mushtaq, an Indian writer, activist, and lawyer, has won the International Booker Prize 2025 for her Kannada short story collection ‘Heart Lamp’, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi. This win is not only a literary milestone but also a celebration of the rich diversity of Indian languages and voices.

The award was presented on May 20, 2025, at a grand ceremony at Tate Modern in London, where Mushtaq emotionally described the win as “a victory for diversity.”

Heart Lamp is the first-ever Kannada work to be honoured with the prestigious £50,000 prize, which is equally shared between author and translator.

Lighting Up the World Stage

Heart Lamp is a collection of 13 short stories, written over three decades from 1990 to 2023, offering intimate glimpses into the lives of Muslim women in Southern India. With warmth, wit, and sharp critique, Mushtaq weaves tales of identity, oppression, resilience, and hope.

Beginning her writing journey while still in school, Mushtaq fearlessly took on themes that were often ignored or considered controversial. Her decision to write about the lived realities of Muslim women drew backlash, even fatwas, but she continued undeterred. She also married a man of her choice, defying societal norms, much like her characters who dare to live on their own terms.

The Booker jury praised the book’s “witty, vivid, colloquial, moving and excoriating” portrayal of family, community, and gender tensions.

A Moment of National Pride

Mushtaq’s win has sparked celebration across India. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated both the author and translator, stating:

“This is a proud moment for the entire Kannadiga community and for India. Congratulations to Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi for bringing Kannada literature to the world stage.”

The International Booker Prize is awarded annually for the best fiction or short story collection translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland. The 2025 shortlist included books from Denmark, France, Japan, and Italy—but it was a story from Karnataka that stole the world’s heart.

Deepa Bhasthi, Mushtaq’s translator, was praised for her sensitive and skillful rendition that captured the soul of the original Kannada text.

This win affirms the global relevance of Indian regional literature and shines a light on the incredible talent within India’s linguistic diversity. Heart Lamp is more than a book—it is a symbol of resistance, representation, and resilience.