Landmark Achievement
, alongside translator Deepa Bhasthi, won the for "Heart Lamp," marking a first for both Kannada-language literature and Indian translation in the award's current format.
The collection, consisting of 12 stories depicting the lives of Muslim women in , was praised for its innovative translation and socio-political depth.
Personal and Cultural Significance
Mushtaq's work, reflecting her advocacy for women's rights and experiences with societal challenges, aims to illuminate the stories of women often marginalized in mainstream narratives.
Bhasthi's translation sought to preserve the multilingual essence of the original stories, introducing English readers to the cultural richness of Kannada and the complexities of the subjects' lives.