
Eminent author and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla
New Delhi: Eminent Hindu author and winner of ‘Jnanpith Award’ Vinod Kumar Shukla was cremated with full state honours in Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur on December 24. The 89-year-old veteran author from Chhattisgarh breathed his last on Tuesday evening.
Known for his renowned works like ‘Naukar Ki Kameej’ and ‘Deewar Me Ek Khidki Rehti Thi’ for which he won the Sahitya Academy Award in 1999, Shukla breathed his last at around 5pm on Tuesday at Raipur AIIMS where he was being treated for his age related ailments. He was the first person from the state to be conferred upon the country’s highest literary honour early this year.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday visited Shukla’s house and paid his tributes to the legendary author. Taking to X, CM Vishnu Deo Sai wrote “We paid our last respect to Vinod Shukla Ji. He was given a final farewell with full state honours. This was the last journey of such a creative personality who gifted the literary world invaluable works that are the treasure of the literary realm.”
“The thoughts of a litterateur and poet always remain alive, the ink of their pen becomes immortal in words. Vinod Ji’s literature will continue to guide our cultural consciousness and his memories will forever remain vibrant among us,” added the CM in his post.
Condolences pour in from across the literary society, politicians and others following Shukla’s demise who left behind a towering legacy after an illustrious career spanning over several decades.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the passing of the legendry author. “I am deeply saddened by the demise of the renowned writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla Ji. He will always be remembered for his invaluable contribution to the Hindi literature world. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti, tweeted PM Modi on X.
Shukla was greatly admired in the Hindi literature world for his unique style of writing deeply rooted in everyday experiences. His other notable works include ‘Khilega to Dekhenge’ and ‘Sab Kuch Hona Bacha Rahega’. He was conferred upon with the 59th Jnanpith award in March 2025.