Prominent figures hail ‘triumph of Kannada’s literary brilliance’

Bengaluru: Prominent figures across Karnataka have hailed the Booker Prize-winning efforts of Banu Mushtaq as a landmark moment for Kannada literature.Writer and Infosys Foundation founder-chairperson Sudha Murthy called the feat "a double win for every Kannadiga woman." Speaking to PTI Videos on Wednesday, she said, "I feel extremely happy. As an Indian, I am happy. As a Kannada person, I am very happy. As an author, I am very happy. And as a woman, I am even happier. She is a great writer and this is a great beginning. Let many people like her get the Booker Prize in different languages."Dalit litterateur and social activist Devanura Mahadeva congratulated both Banu and translator Deepa Bhasthi, saying, "The International Booker Prize came to the beauty and elegance of the Kannada language." He added, "Translation of literary works into English with originality is a challenge faced by all Indian languages. We need more and more translators like Deepa for this."Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Mahesh Joshi called the award "a new chapter in Kannada's literary history."He said, "This award proved the importance of quality translation of literary works into English. Banu Mushtaq created history with this award." Joshi also announced a new translation initiative by the Parishat to bring Kannada literature to other languages.Retired judge Justice Nagmohandas described the win as "a moment of collective pride," stating, "This honour bestowed on Heart Lamp is a triumph of Kannada's literary brilliance. Banu and Deepa have carried the soul of our language to the world. Let this inspire a generation to cherish and contribute to our rich cultural legacy."Actor Shiva Rajkumar took to ‘X' to offer his congratulations. "Your achievement of introducing Kannada literature on a global scale and attracting the attention of the world is a great contribution to Kannada literature and cultural heritage. I hope this honour will further strengthen the world of Kannada literature," he said.Activist and actor Chetan Kumar Ahimsa, a key advocate of gender equality and safety of women in the Kannada film industry, also hailed the recognition on ‘X', calling it "a source of pride for Kannada and Karnataka."Several writers from Kannada and other languages also said the Booker Prize win for Banu has come as a breakthrough for Kannada literature, emphasising the importance of both original writing and quality translation in showcasing regional Indian literature on the global stage.