Vinod Kumar Shukla, an eminent Hindi writer, poet, and novelist, passed away on 23 December 2025, at the age of 89.
Born in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Vinod Kumar Shukla left behind a profound legacy in modern Hindi literature. He breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, after a period of serious illness.
Early Life and Background
Vinod Kumar Shukla was born in January 1937 in the Rajnandgaon district of present-day Chhattisgarh. Growing up in a rural area with the green natural light, he was deeply connected to everyday life and nature. His love for writing comes from his early life in rural areas and from his mother, who encouraged him to read and instilled in him a love for literature from a young age. His entire career is known for his simple yet deep words used in poetry. His first collection, Lagbhag Jai Hind, published in 1971, introduced him as a fresh and sensitive voice in Hindi literature. Over the decades, he became known for blending prose and poetry, creating works that reflected the quiet mysteries of ordinary life with lyrical intensity. Shukla’s writing style was simple yet deeply resonant with philosophical empathy for the human condition. His works often walked the fine line between realism and surreal imagery, drawing readers into reflective and contemplative spaces.
Major Works and Themes
Among his most celebrated novels and story collections is Naukar Ki Kameez – A landmark work that became his narrative voice’s symbol. Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi – A novel that won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999 for its humane portrayal of life’s subtleties. Khilega To Dekhenge and Ek Chuppi Jagah – Other important works that showcase his way of handling everyday and extraordinary situations, making it a unique combination. His storytelling blended magic realism, poetic simplicity, and philosophical depth to explore everyday life with a rare clarity and warmth. His detailed projection of “small” details of human experience makes it extraordinary and unforgettable. One of his novels, Naukar Ki Kameez, was adapted into a film by filmmaker Mani Kaul, further extending the reach and influence of his work beyond the written page.
Honours and Recognition
Shukla, an important figure in Hindi literature, received numerous honours over the years. The most prestigious was the 59th Jnanpith Award (2024), India’s highest literary honour, making him the first writer from Chhattisgarh to be so recognised. This award celebrated his lifelong contribution to Hindi literature, acknowledging a voice that was at once celebrated.
Final Days and Passing
In early December 2025, Shukla was admitted to AIIMS Raipur after experiencing severe breathing difficulties. Though he had briefly been hospitalised in October and discharged, his health deteriorated again, leading to prolonged medical care. He passed away on 23 December 2025, leaving behind a legacy cherished by readers, writers, and students of Hindi literature across generations.
His passing is a great loss to Hindi literature, but his stories and poems will continue to touch hearts for generations to come.