Bano Murtaza Wins 2025 Booker Prize for ‘Heart Lamp’

 

Renowned Indian author Bano Murtaza has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Booker Prize for her acclaimed novel "Heart Lamp", which has garnered international praise for its emotional depth and powerful narrative centered on women's experiences in India.

The award was presented at a grand ceremony in London, where the jury praised Heart Lamp for its compassionate storytelling, cultural authenticity, and its exploration of generational resilience. The novel brings to life the struggles and hopes of Indian women, weaving through themes of tradition, empowerment, and transformation.

Celebrating South Asian Literature

This year’s Booker jury consisted of 12 internationally recognized critics and authors. They noted that Murtaza's book stood out for its literary elegance and ability to connect with global audiences while remaining deeply rooted in South Asian context.

“Heart Lamp is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of women,” said one juror. “It is both deeply personal and universally human.”

A Literary Legacy

Bano Murtaza has previously been honored for her earlier works, and this win solidifies her place among India’s most impactful contemporary writers. Over the past three decades, the Booker Prize has acknowledged Indian talent several times, with previous winners including Arundhati Roy (1997), Kiran Desai (2006), and Aravind Adiga (2008).

Murtaza, in her acceptance speech, dedicated the award to “every woman whose story has gone untold,” expressing hope that her writing would continue to amplify voices of resilience, identity, and change.