Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq responds to opposition over Dasara inauguration
Hassan: Writer and Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq has reacted to the criticism that emerged after her name was announced for inaugurating this year’s Mysuru Dasara festivities.
Speaking to the media at her residence, she said, “I don’t wish to speak much on this matter. The love and affection shown by crores of Kannadigas is more than enough. There is no need to respond to the negativity of one or two people. Politicians must take responsibility for what should be politicised and what should not.”
She reminded that the Booker Prize is not something that comes easily and should not be belittled. “I have introduced Kannada to an international stage. People there are amazed when they read even a single page in Kannada. After achieving so much, nobody has the right to throw mud at me,” she stated.
On her bond with the language, she said, “I don’t treat Kannada as a deity, I use it as the language of life. I made all my three daughters study in Kannada medium schools. My connection with Kannada is unquestionable.”
Responding to the criticism, she added, “Some people have twisted what I had said during the 2023 Janasahitya Sammelana. I have always raised my voice for minorities, women, and Dalits. That is now being used against me. But who has loved Kannada as much as I have? Who has taken it to the international stage the way I did?”
“My achievements themselves are proof. Kannada will never abandon those who truly believe in it,” she concluded.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
