Mysuru: BJP OBC Morcha State President R. Raghu Kautilya has opined that this year’s Dasara inauguration would have held greater significance had both International Booker Prize winners — writer Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi — jointly lit the ceremonial lamp.

Responding on ‘X’ to the State Government’s decision to invite only Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Nada Habba Dasara, Raghu Kautilya reminded that the festival has always begun with a ritual offering to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of the land.

“Those chosen to inaugurate must uphold this cultural commitment. Failing to do so would be disrespectful and could hurt public sentiment,” he stated.

He stressed that Deepa Bhasthi is an equal contributor to the International Booker Prize-winning work, as she translated Banu Mushtaq’s short story collection ‘Edeya Hanate’ into English under the title ‘Heart Lamp.’ It was this collaborative effort that won the prestigious award. Excluding her, Kautilya argued, risks creating a symbolic divide in the honour brought to  Kannada literature.

“Let the path of Kannada not be derailed for the sake of votes,” he cautioned.

Echoing this sentiment, former Mayor Shivakumar said that Deepa, too, is a daughter of Karnataka, and her achievement must not be overlooked. “Ignoring her contribution would amount to placing translators in a secondary position — an unfair distinction that must be avoided,” he remarked.

Former Syndicate Member E.C. Ningarajegowda also reminded that the International Booker Prize Jury had awarded the prize jointly to both Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi.

“If the Prize itself was shared equally, how can the Government justify partiality when inviting guests for the Dasara inauguration?” he questioned. He stressed that both contributors share equal credit for the recognition brought to Kannada literature and deserve equal acknowledgement.