Bengaluru : Booker Prize-winning Kannada author Banu Mushtaq delivered a powerful message encouraging linguistic pride and cultural confidence, urging people—especially students—not to feel inferior due to their lack of fluency in English. Speaking at an event jointly organized by the Karnataka Media Academy and the Bengaluru Press Club, Mushtaq emphasized that the worth of an individual or their intellect is not defined by their command over English.
“My mother tongue is Urdu, and I studied in a Kannada-medium school,” she said. “All my literary work has been written in Kannada and later translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi. I never allowed my limited English to create a sense of inferiority.”
Mushtaq pointed out a concerning trend among the youth, stating, “It’s unfortunate that many children today are unable to write properly in Kannada. Language is identity. We must nurture our roots and feel empowered in the language we are most comfortable with.”
Addressing a question about rural students continuing their education in Kannada-medium schools, Mushtaq said, “When I addressed global audiences after receiving the Booker Prize, it was through translators—and I felt proud, not ashamed.”
Sharing her journey, Mushtaq recalled her early resistance to social restrictions. A lawyer, teacher, activist, and now a globally recognized author, she said, “My life and literature are intertwined. I’ve never written for awards—literature, law, and activism have all been expressions of my truth, as has my 51-year-long marriage.”
Karnataka Media Academy Chairperson Ayesha Khanam, who felicitated both Mushtaq and her translator, praised them as role models for women. “It is a moment of pride that two women from Karnataka have brought the Booker Prize home. Both have a background in journalism, and their contribution to Kannada literature is historic.”
Senior journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu noted that Mushtaq’s life experiences shaped her writing. “She broke barriers when few women had the opportunity. Her father deserves credit for allowing her to pursue higher education in those days. If more girls are given such freedom today, the impact will be revolutionary.”
Press Club General Secretary Shivakumar Bellitatte highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying, “This event honours individuals who have brought international acclaim not just to Kannada literature, but also to journalism and to India.”
Along with Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi, S. Rashmi, the newly appointed editor of Sudha weekly, was also honoured. The programme saw participation from writers, journalists, students, translators, and media professionals. The welcome address was delivered by M. Sahana, Secretary of the Karnataka Media Academy.
