Banu Mushtaq won International Booker Prize 2025

Why in News? Indian author Banu Mushtaq has won the International Booker Prize 2025 for her short-story collection “Heart Lamp” (original title: “Hridaya Deepa”). This marks a historic moment as it is:

• The first short-story collection to win the prestigious award.
• The first win for a Kannada-language author in the prize’s history.

Significance of the Book “Heart Lamp”

1. A Reflection on Humanity:
   Mushtaq’s book celebrates the idea that no story is ever small. Through her vivid storytelling, she portrays the intricate tapestry of human experiences.
2. Cultural Richness:
   The collection, originally written in Kannada, brings to life a variety of characters including:

1. • Sparky children
   • Audacious grandmothers
   • Buffoonish maulvis
   • Thug brothers
   • Hapless husbands
   • Resilient mothers
2. Universal Themes:
   The book touches on themes of survival, relationships, and the cost of emotions, offering a window into the lives of its characters.