Bengaluru: Booker Prize-winning Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq has urged people to take pride in their native languages and not feel inferior for lacking fluency in English. Speaking at an interactive session organised by the Karnataka Media Academy and the Bengaluru Press Club, Mushtaq emphasized that linguistic pride and cultural identity must not be compromised in the pursuit of global recognition.

“My mother tongue is Urdu, and the language of my land is Kannada. I studied in a Kannada-medium school and have written all my stories in Kannada. They were later translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi. I’ve never allowed my limited proficiency in English to create any sense of inferiority,” Mushtaq said during the programme held at the Press Club in Cubbon Park.

Expressing concern over the growing disconnect among younger generations with regional languages, she said, “It is unfortunate that many children today cannot write properly in Kannada. We must uphold our linguistic roots. Your strength lies in the language you are most comfortable with.”

Responding to a question about inspiring rural students who continue to study in Kannada-medium schools, Mushtaq stressed the importance of owning one's language. “When I received the Booker Prize, I addressed global audiences through translators. I feel proud of that. It never made me feel inadequate.”

Sharing her personal journey, Mushtaq said her literary path was shaped by her lived experiences and her early fight for independence within her community. “I began resisting societal restrictions at a young age. After my education, I worked as a lawyer, teacher, activist, and eventually found my voice in literature. Winning the Booker Prize has brought global attention to my life and work.”

She further noted, “My writing is an extension of my life — nothing is hidden. I intend to write a novel and an autobiography in the future. I’ve never written for awards or recognition. Literature, activism, and law have all been part of my life, alongside 51 years of a happy marriage.”

Karnataka Media Academy Chairperson Ayesha Khanam, who felicitated both Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi, described them as sources of inspiration for women across the state. “It is a proud moment for Karnataka that two of our women have won the prestigious Booker Prize. Both come from a journalistic background, and their contributions to literature have brought global attention to Kannada.”

Senior journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu, who delivered the introductory remarks, highlighted the significance of the recognition. “With over 140 crore Indians and a global population where nearly half are women, Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi have made us all proud. Bhasthi’s English translation of Mushtaq’s work, The Heart Lamp, introduced Kannada literature to an international readership. The joy of this recognition is even greater for journalists, as both women began their careers in journalism.”

He added that Mushtaq’s life and writings are deeply intertwined. “She has lived through adversity and transformed those experiences into powerful literary expressions. As a teacher, journalist, lawyer, and activist, she has worn many hats. Her father deserves special mention for allowing her to pursue higher education during a time when such freedoms were rare. When we grant the women in our homes the same freedom to study and write, that is when we truly honour Banu Mushtaq.”

Press Club General Secretary Shivakumar Bellitatte noted that the Karnataka Media Academy plays a key role in raising media-related issues at the government level. “This event is historic. We are honouring two individuals who have brought international acclaim not only to Kannada literature but also to journalism and the nation.”

On this occasion, both Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi were felicitated for their Booker Prize achievement. S. Rashmi, recently appointed editor of the Kannada weekly Sudha, was also honoured.

The event saw the participation of writers, journalists, translators, students, and members of the Karnataka Media Academy and Press Club. The welcome address was delivered by M. Sahana, Secretary of the Karnataka Media Academy.