Jnanpith Award winner Vinod Kumar Shukla dies

• Eminent Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla passed away on December 23. He was 88.

• Vinod Kumar Shukla was born on January 1, 1937 in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.

• He is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature. 

• He began his creative journey with the poetry collection ‘Laughing Jai Hind’.

• He authored acclaimed novels such as ‘Khilega To Dekhenge’ and ‘Ek Chuppi Jagah’.

• Known for his distinctive linguistic texture and emotional depth, Shukla received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999 for his book ‘Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi’.

• His other notable works include ‘Naukar ki Kameez’ (1979), a novel that was adapted into a film by Mani Kaul, and a poetry collection ‘Sab Kuch Hona Bacha Rahega’ (1992).

• His work captures the emotions of ordinary people, portraying everyday life, and exploring the intricate realities of society.

• He was awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award in November 2025, becoming only the 12th Hindi author to earn this distinguished recognition.

• He was the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive the award.