Heart Lamp, a short story collection by Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq, has made history by becoming the first Kannada literary work to be shortlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize.

Translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, this milestone marks a proud moment for regional Indian literature on the global stage.

Key Points:

• Historic First: Heart Lamp is the first Kannada book ever to be shortlisted for the International Booker Prize.
• About the Book: The collection features 12 stories, originally written between 1990 and 2023, exploring the lives of Muslim women in southern India.
• Author: Banu Mushtaq is a prominent Kannada writer, journalist, and lawyer known for her work on women’s rights and social justice.
• Themes: The stories portray everyday experiences, resilience, and identity within marginalized communities, written with subtle humor and emotional depth.
• Translator: Deepa Bhasthi’s translation has been praised for retaining the spirit and sensitivity of the original Kannada text.
• Global Recognition: The judges praised the book’s emotional and moral weight, and its ability to highlight lives often on the societal margins.
• Cultural Pride: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah called it a “proud moment” for Kannada language and literature.
• Prize: The £50,000 prize will be shared equally between the author and translator. The winner will be announced on May 20, 2025