Banu Mushtaq’s groundbreaking collection, “Heart Lamp,” recently made history as the first story collection to clinch the International Booker Prize. This remarkable achievement also marks the first time a work translated from Kannada, a southern Indian language, has won the prestigious award.
What sets “Heart Lamp” apart is its innovative approach to translation. Instead of adapting an already published book, translator Deepa Bhasthi curated stories from Mushtaq’s extensive body of work, which spans over 60 stories crafted across three decades and initially published in Kannada-language journals.
Their collaboration exemplifies a significant shift in the author-translator dynamic, emphasizing empowerment and partnership. This transformation reflects the increasing visibility of Indian literature as a growing number of works in diverse regional languages are translated into English. It allows a broader audience to engage with the unique narratives that enrich the English language.
Mushtaq, 77, is more than an author; she is a lawyer and an activist whose life’s work speaks to the struggles of minority communities against social injustices and patriarchal norms. The stories within “Heart Lamp” present feminist themes, revolving around the everyday experiences of ordinary women, many of whom are Muslim.
Expressing her thoughts on breaking stereotypes, Ms. Mushtaq stated, “I myself have broken all kinds of stereotypes, and now my book has also broken all stereotypes.” This enthusiasm for challenging societal norms resonates deeply within the pages of “Heart Lamp,” marking a pivotal moment for Indian literature on the global stage.
