Banu Mushtaq’s Kannada publisher scrambles to meet growing demand after Booker win
Mysuru: Following the international acclaim of Heart Lamp, the book by veteran Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq that recently won the coveted International Booker Prize, demand for its Kannada edition, Hasina Mattu Itara Kathegalu, has surged across bookstores in Karnataka.
Published by Abhiruchi Prakashana, the 776-page collection of 47 short stories has gained considerable attention since the book’s global recognition. According to Ganesh, the proprietor of Abhiruchi Prakashana, the publisher has sold nearly 1,000 copies within the past week alone, as reported by Deccan Herald on Wednesday.
The publisher has now received an impressive 3,000 orders from bookstores across Karnataka, illustrating the book's soaring popularity.
Ganesh’s association with Banu Mushtaq began in 2002 when they first met at a protest in Hassan. This brief encounter turned into a 23-year-long collaboration between the two. He initially published two of her short story collections, Safira and Badavara Magalu Hennalla, the report added.
Banu’s earlier books Hejje Moodada Haadi, Benki Male, and Edeya Hanathe, previously published by various other houses, were not available at the time. In 2013, Ganesh made the decision to bring all of Banu’s stories together, publishing Hasina Mattu Itara Kathegalu.
“Banu called me at the beginning of this year, asking if I could make another compilation of her stories. That’s when I decided to include the new collection as well in the revised edition of ‘Hasina Mattu Itara Kathegalu’,” DH quoted Ganesh as saying.
Abhiruchi Prakashana is a small publishing house located in the quiet lanes of Saraswathipuram in Mysuru. Ganesh’s journey in the world of Kannada literature began in his teenage years when, at just 18, he sold books from a bicycle. Thanks to a Rs 25,000 grant from the Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara (Kannada Book Authority), Ganesh opened his first bookstore, Abhiruchi Kannada Pustaka Malige, in 1995. He also ventured into publishing soon after.
"My experience selling books made it easier to choose which ones to publish," Ganesh explained. "And I had the privilege of engaging with progressive Left-leaning groups like Dalit Sangharsh Samithi and Raitha Sangha, who became my customers," he added.
Notably, Abhiruchi Prakashana has published 438 books to date. In recognition of its contribution to the Kannada literary scene, the publishing house will be receiving the Kannada Book Authority’s Best Publication Award for 2023, announced this year.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
