Indian writer and translator awarded the International Booker Prize.

Benu Mushtaq, an Indian writer and social activist, has been awarded the International Booker Prize for her short story collection "Heart Lamp." This marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first Kannada-language author to win the prestigious prize for translated fiction. The collection, which was translated by Deepa Bhasthi, showcases stories that span 30 years of Mushtaq's career. The award carries a cash prize of £50,000, which will be shared between the author and translator.

The International Booker Prize is a literary award given annually for the finest translated work of fiction published in the English language. It celebrates the art of translation and the richness of global literary talent. The award was established in 2005 as the Man Booker International Prize, and was later rebranded as the International Booker Prize in 2016.

Mushtaq's "Heart Lamp" is a powerful anthology that delves into the lives of marginalized women, exploring themes such as reproductive rights, social hierarchy, and the struggle against patriarchal and religious constraints. The book's multilingual content reflects the linguistic diversity of southern India.

The author's victory is particularly noteworthy because it shines a light on regional Indian literature and the depth of its narratives, which often go unnoticed in the international literary scene. The Kannada language is spoken by approximately 65 million people, primarily in the southern state of Karnataka and other parts of the region.

During the award ceremony at London's Tate Modern Museum, Max Porter, the chair of the judging panel, praised the collection for its unique qualities, saying it introduces "something genuinely new for English readers." He added that the stories are "beautiful, busy, life-affirming" and enriched by the blend of various languages and dialects.

In her acceptance speech, Mushtaq expressed her gratitude and emphasized the collective nature of her win, acknowledging the voices of those who inspired her work and the collaborative effort with her translator. She thanked her publisher, Tilted Axis Press, for supporting the translation of the book and making it accessible to a wider audience.

The recognition of "Heart Lamp" serves as a testament to the importance of literary translation in bringing diverse voices to the global stage and bridging cultural gaps. It also underscores the vibrant and thriving literary landscape in India, where regional languages and their rich storytelling traditions continue to flourish.
Source@Rana Taha