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| Credit: Associated Press |
In a historic moment for literature, Indian author Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi have jointly won the prestigious International Booker Prize for fiction for their acclaimed short story collection, Heart Lamp. This marks the first time in the award’s history that a collection of short stories has been honored, highlighting the evolving landscape of global literary recognition.
A Groundbreaking Achievement
The International Booker Prize, awarded annually to a book translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland, celebrates outstanding fiction from around the world. The 2025 award ceremony, held in London, recognized Heart Lamp for its lyrical prose, profound themes, and the seamless collaboration between author and translator that brought the work to an English-speaking audience.
Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp is a collection of interconnected short stories that explore themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of contemporary India. The stories weave together personal and political narratives, offering readers a nuanced glimpse into the lives of diverse characters navigating change and tradition.
Deepa Bhasthi’s translation has been widely praised for capturing the lyrical beauty and emotional depth of Mushtaq’s original Hindi text, making the stories accessible and resonant for a global readership.
Significance of the Award
The decision to award the International Booker Prize to a short story collection is a milestone, reflecting the growing appreciation for the form’s literary power. Traditionally dominated by novels, this recognition opens doors for short story writers and translators worldwide, encouraging a broader range of voices and storytelling styles.
In her acceptance speech, Banu Mushtaq expressed gratitude to her readers and the translation team, emphasizing the collaborative nature of bringing stories across languages and cultures. Deepa Bhasthi highlighted the importance of translation in fostering cross-cultural understanding and the joy of sharing Indian literature with the world.
Impact on Indian Literature
Mushtaq’s win adds to the growing global spotlight on Indian literature, which has produced numerous Booker Prize winners and nominees in recent years. The award underscores the richness and diversity of contemporary Indian writing and the vital role of translators in amplifying these voices internationally.
Literary critics have hailed Heart Lamp as a landmark work that challenges conventional narratives and offers fresh perspectives on Indian society, particularly through the lens of women’s experiences and marginalized communities.
Following the award, Heart Lamp is expected to reach a wider audience, inspiring readers and writers alike. The International Booker Prize win not only elevates Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi’s profiles but also encourages publishers to invest in translated works and short story collections, fostering a more inclusive literary world.
