Kodagu Native Deepa Bhasthi, Author Banu Mushtaq Awarded ₹10 Lakh Each by Karnataka Govt for Booker-Winning Work

Deepa Bhasthi, hailing from Kodagu, is known for her cultural criticism and literary essays. Photo: The Kodagu Express

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Monday announced a cash prize of ₹10 lakh each to International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq and her translator, Deepa Bhasthi, a proud native of Kodagu. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a felicitation ceremony at Vidhana Soudha on Monday.

Mushtaq received the global honour for her Kannada short story collection Heart Lamp, which was translated into English by Bhasthi. The book, which brings forth deeply moving stories, particularly from the perspective of Muslim women, has resonated with readers across the world.

“With her stories, she has communicated heartfelt pain to the world. She has become a powerful voice for women, especially Muslim women,” said CM Siddaramaiah. He also noted that literature like Mushtaq’s carries a message of humanity and morality to society. The Chief Minister further announced state support to translate more of Mushtaq’s works into English.

Deepa Bhasthi, hailing from Kodagu, is known for her cultural criticism and literary essays. She is settled in Madikeri with her husband Chettira Sujan Nanaiah and with her parents.

Her writings have appeared in leading publications such as The Paris Review, The Hindu, The Guardian and Himal Southasian. She has also translated works of legendary Kannada writers like Kota Shivarama Karanth and Kodagina Gouramma.

Bhasthi’s translation of Heart Lamp earlier won the EnglishPEN Award, and her latest recognition with the Booker Prize brings further global attention to Kannada literature and the talent emerging from Kodagu.

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