“Heart Lamp,” a collection of short stories by renowned author Banu Mushtaq, translated from Kannada to English, has been shortlisted for the International Booker Award 2025. This marks the first time Kannada literature has made it to the final shortlist of this prestigious award. The award comes with a cash prize of £50,000, which will be shared equally by the author and the translator.

The author shared her excitement, calling it a historic moment to see a Kannada book on such a prestigious global platform. “It was a moment of surrealism for me when my kids and publishers shared the announcement with me,” she said. Banu Mushtaq is not only a celebrated literary figure but also a social activist and lawyer.

The Literature Today is honoring this legendary author for her contributions to literature, which has bought spotlight to Kannada literature as well as Indian literature.