Jnanpith Award recipient and eminent Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla was cremated with full state honours at Marwari Muktidham in Raipur on Wednesday, with the Chhattisgarh government recognising his immense contributions that brought national and international recognition to the state.
The literary world is mourning the irreparable loss of Vinod Kumar Shukla, who passed away on Tuesday at AIIMS Raipur. He was 89.
Shukla succumbed to multiple organ infections and age-related ailments at 4.48 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the end of a significant chapter in contemporary Hindi literature.
Born on January 1, 1937, in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh, Shukla pursued teaching as a profession but devoted his life to literary creation.
His literary journey began with the publication of his first poem, Lagbhag Jaihind, in 1971. Over the decades, he developed a distinctive voice marked by experimental yet deeply simple writing, transforming everyday experiences into evocative narratives.
Shukla’s notable works include novels such as Neckar Ki Kamet (adapted into a 1999 film by Mani Kaul), Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi (which earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award), and Khilega To Dekhenge.
His prose and poetry brought a new sensibility to Hindi literature and gained global recognition through translations into multiple languages.
In 2024, Shukla became the first writer from Chhattisgarh and the 12th Hindi author to receive the prestigious 59th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, for his exceptional creativity and unique literary style.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief in a post on X, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of the renowned writer Vinod Kumar Shukla ji, honoured with the Jnanpith Award. For his invaluable contribution to the world of Hindi literature, he will always be remembered. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Shukla was admitted to AIIMS Raipur on December 2 after experiencing breathing difficulties and was later placed on ventilator support. He is survived by his wife, son Shashwat, and daughter.
His enduring legacy—defined by natural simplicity, quiet magic in the ordinary, and deep humanism—will continue to inspire generations of readers and writers.
— IANS
