India, May 21 -- Karnataka's literary circles erupted in celebration after acclaimed writer, activist, and lawyer Banu Mushtaq became the first Kannada author to win the prestigious International Booker Prize.

Her short story collection Hridaya Deepa (Heart Lamp), translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, bagged the £50,000 award at a ceremony held at London's Tate Modern on Tuesday night.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was among the first to congratulate Mushtaq, hailing the recognition as a proud moment for the state and for Kannada literature.

"She has raised the flag of Kannada's greatness at the international level and brought honour to all Kannadigas," the CM said in a post on X. Praising the themes of secularism, harmony, and ...