CM Siddaramaiah hails Banu Mushtaq, Deepa Bhasthi for bringing global recognition to Kannada through Booker Prize
Bengaluru – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah celebrated Kannada writers Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi after their international Booker Prize win, saying it proved the global strength of the Kannada language.
The CM said Mushtaq’s short‑story collection Heart Lamp – the first Kannada‑language book to win the prize – and Bhasthi’s English translation boosted Karnataka’s cultural profile worldwide.
Earlier this year, Siddaramaiah faced backlash for inviting only Mushtaq to launch the historic Mysuru Dussehra festival. Critics, including the BJP, claimed the choice was political appeasement and criticised the omission of Bhasthi, a Hindu translator.
The CM defended the decision, noting the writers’ achievements speak for themselves rather than politics.
During his remarks, Siddaramaiah highlighted Karnataka’s 69th anniversary as a union state and paid tribute to the region’s freedom fighters, such as Mysuru student Ramaswamy and Ballari’s Ranjan Saab.
He stressed the importance of mother‑tongue education, urging the Central government to back a law that ensures children learn in Kannada. “Neglecting Kannada in schools weakens our children’s skills,” he said, pointing out that languages like English and Hindi have eroded native fluency.
Siddaramaiah also accused the Union of unfairly treating Karnataka. “The state contributes over ₹4.5 lakh crore in taxes but is denied its rightful share,” he warned. He alleged that the 15th Finance Commission’s rules cost Karnataka nearly ₹1 lakh crore, risking state autonomy.
Highlighting economic progress, the CM said Karnataka has surpassed Maharashtra as the top source of Foreign Direct Investment, attracting ₹50.1 billion in 2024‑25 and accounting for 51% of India’s total FDI inflow. Over the past decade, per‑capita income in the state has doubled, and Karnataka leads India in biotech, coffee, silk, pigeon pea, arecanut, ragi, and sunflower production.
He concluded by urging young Kannadigas to build a progressive, inclusive, and humane Karnataka, continuing the legacy of sacrifice and innovation.
Source: ianslive
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