Mon Jun 02 16:40:08 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Kannada Language Celebrated as Inclusive After International Booker Win**
**Bengaluru, June 2, 2025:** A celebratory event was held today at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru to honor Banu Mushtaq, winner of the International Booker Prize, and her translator, Deepa Bhasthi. The event was organized by the Department of Kannada and Culture.
Mushtaq, speaking at the felicitation, addressed perceptions of intolerance within Karnataka, firmly stating, “Your understanding of Kannada is incorrect. There’s no language as tolerant as Kannada. It is a language that has given a platform to many others.” She emphasized the language’s literary achievements, highlighting its eight Jnanpith awards and now, a Booker Prize.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a cash prize of ₹ 10 lakh each for Mushtaq and Bhasthi. He also pledged government support for the translation of Mushtaq’s future works from Kannada into other languages, praising her courage in addressing social issues and representing the voices of Muslim women.
Siddaramaiah emphasized the power of literature to foster unity, urging writers to bridge divides within society. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hailed Mushtaq and Bhasthi as global ambassadors who “lit the ‘Kannada lamp’ at the world stage” with their prestigious award.
First Piper 