Raipur, Renowned Hindi litterateur and Jnanpith award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla passed away on Tuesday at AIIMS Raipur. He was 89. Shukla had been undergoing treatment for breathing difficulties since 2 December and was on ventilator support. He breathed his last during the afternoon, leaving the literary community in deep mourning.

Born on 1 January 1937 in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, Shukla was a teacher by profession but a prolific creator by passion. He was the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive the Jnanpith Award and the 12th Hindi writer to be conferred with the country’s highest literary recognition. He was honoured with the 59th Jnanpith Award in 2024 for his life-long contribution to literature.

Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai, who had recently visited the hospital to inquire about the author’s health, expressed deep grief over the loss. Tributes have poured in from across the country, with scholars and readers remembering him as a gentle yet profound voice who redefined modern Hindi literature through his unique narrative structures and sensitive language.

Shukla’s literary journey began in 1971 with his first poem, Lagbhag Jaihind. He gained global acclaim with his 1979 novel Naukar Ki Kameez, which was later adapted into a film by filmmaker Mani Kaul. His other celebrated novel, Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi, earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award. His notable works include Khilega To Dekhenge and Hari Ghaas Ki Chhappar Wali Jhopdi Aur Bauna Pahaad.

Known for blending folk narratives with modern existentialism, Shukla’s writing captured the quiet complexities of middle-class life. His work earned him numerous prestigious honours, including the Raza Award, Shikhar Samman, and the Mathrubhumi Award in 2020. He was also elected a Fellow of the Sahitya Akademi in 2021.

The passing of Vinod Kumar Shukla marks the end of an era in Indian literature. His legacy remains etched in his original and humane storytelling, which continues to inspire generations of writers and readers worldwide.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Shukla’s demise. In a heartfelt tribute posted on his X handle, the Prime Minister wrote: “Deeply saddened by the demise of the renowned writer Vinod Kumar Shukla ji, a recipient of the Jnanpith Award. He will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to the world of Hindi literature. My condolences are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has expressed deep grief over the demise of Chhattisgarh’s pride, senior and renowned litterateur Vinod Kumar Shukla.

Chief Minister said that the passing of Vinod Kumar Shukla is an irreparable loss to Hindi literature and the cultural consciousness of Chhattisgarh. He said that through timeless works such as Naukar Ki Kameez and Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi, Shri Vinod Kumar Shukla gave extraordinary dignity to ordinary life. Human sensitivity, simplicity and the subtle experiences of life were expressed with great ease in his writings, which deeply influenced several generations of readers.
Sai said that the works of Shri Vinod Kumar Shukla are not merely literature, but a living expression of human values and philosophy of life. His sensitive outlook and original style of language will continue to inspire readers, and his contribution to Hindi literature will remain everlasting. Chief Minister Sai prayed to God to grant strength to everyone in this hour of grief and to give peace to the departed soul.