Renowned Hindi litterateur and Jnanpith awardee Vinod Kumar Shukla dies at 89
PTC Web Desk: Eminent Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla, one of the most respected literary voices of contemporary Hindi literature, passed away on Tuesday evening at a government hospital in Raipur. He was 89.
According to family members, Shukla breathed his last at 4.48 pm at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, where he had been undergoing treatment for age-related health complications. He had been admitted on December 2 following severe breathing difficulties.
His son, Shashwat Shukla, said that the writer had earlier been hospitalised in October at a private facility in Raipur after developing respiratory issues. Though his condition had stabilised at the time and he was discharged, his health deteriorated suddenly earlier this month, necessitating urgent admission to AIIMS.
Shukla is survived by his wife, son Shashwat, and a daughter. The family said his mortal remains will be brought to his residence in Raipur, and details of the final rites will be shared later.
Widely celebrated for his minimalist yet deeply moving literary style, Vinod Kumar Shukla authored several landmark works, including ‘Naukar Ki Kameez’, ‘Khilega To Dekhenge’, ‘Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi’, and ‘Ek Chuppi Jagah’. His writings are known for their quiet intensity, subtle humour, and exploration of ordinary lives with extraordinary sensitivity.
Shukla was honoured with the 59th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary recognition, for his exceptional contribution to Hindi literature. The award was conferred on him on November 21 this year at a ceremony held at his residence in Raipur, making him the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive the prestigious honour.
Earlier, during his visit to Chhattisgarh on November 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with Shukla’s family and enquired about the writer’s health.
Apart from literature, Shukla also left his imprint on Indian cinema, with his novel ‘Naukar Ki Kameez’ being adapted into a critically acclaimed film by noted filmmaker Mani Kaul.
With his passing, Hindi literature has lost a gentle yet powerful voice whose works will continue to resonate with readers across generations.
- With inputs from agencies
