Current Affairs - Persons - Discussion

Heart Lamp is a short story collection by Kannada author Banu Mushtaq, which has been longlisted for the prestigious International Booker Prize 2025. This is a historic achievement, as it is the first time that a Kannada work has made it to the long list. The collection contains 12 short stories set within Muslim communities in southern India, originally published between 1990 and 2023. The judges have praised the book’s storytelling, calling it “witty, vivid, colloquial, moving, and excoriating.” This marks a significant step for Kannada literature on the international stage, showcasing its depth and cultural richness.