Renowned Hindi Writer Vinod Kumar Shukla Passes Away at 88

Vinod Kumar Shukla, a prominent Hindi writer and poet, has died at the age of 88 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Known for his simple yet profound writing style, Shukla's literary contributions include notable works like 'Naukar Ki Kameez' and 'Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi.' He was the first from Chhattisgarh to receive the prestigious Jnanpith Award. His passing has been mourned by many, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his significant impact on Hindi literature. The state government plans to honor him with a state farewell, recognizing his invaluable contributions to the literary world.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 21:00 IST

Vinod Kumar Shukla's Legacy

Vinod Kumar Shukla, a celebrated Hindi author, poet, and novelist, passed away on Tuesday in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, at the age of 88.

According to the Public Relations Officer Laxmikant Choudhary from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Raipur, Shukla succumbed to multiple organ infections and organ failure at 4:58 PM. He had been hospitalized since December 2.

He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.

Born in 1937 in the Rajnandgaon district, Shukla released his first poetry collection, Lagbhag Jaihind, in 1971. He went on to write numerous novels, including Naukar Ki Kameez, Khilega To Dekhenge, Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi, and Ek Chuppi Jagah.

The novel Naukar Ki Kameez was adapted into a film by director Mani Kaul, while Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999. In 2023, he was honored with the PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature.

Earlier this year, Shukla was awarded the prestigious 59th Jnanpith Award, marking him as the first recipient from Chhattisgarh to achieve this honor for his significant contributions to Hindi literature.

The Bharatiya Jnanpith, which presents the award, praised his work for its simplicity and sensitivity, noting that his poems and stories capture the essence of everyday life in accessible language.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over Shukla's passing, highlighting the lasting impact of his contributions to Hindi literature.

Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai referred to Shukla's death as an “irreparable loss” for the state, announcing that the government would honor him with a state farewell.