The literary world of India is in mourning following the demise of renowned Hindi poet and novelist Vinod Kumar Shukla. The eminent writer, who made history this year by becoming the first person from Chhattisgarh to win the prestigious Jnanpith Award, passed away in Raipur on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. He was 88 years old.
A Literary Giant's Final Hours
Laxmikant Choudhary, the Public Relations Officer of AIIMS Raipur, confirmed the sad news. He stated that Shukla breathed his last at 4:58 pm. The writer had been admitted to the hospital on December 2. The cause of death was cited as multiple organ infection leading to organ failure.
Shukla's passing marks the end of an era for modern Hindi literature. His journey was one of profound simplicity and deep sensitivity, capturing the essence of everyday life in his works. The news has sent waves of grief through literary circles across the nation, particularly in his home state of Chhattisgarh, which he put on the map of high literary achievement.
A Historic Jnanpith Honour
Earlier in 2025, Vinod Kumar Shukla's lifetime of contribution to Indian letters was crowned with the 59th Jnanpith Award. This award is universally recognized as the highest literary honour in India, bestowed upon writers for exceptional contribution to literature in any of the Indian languages.
In an official release, Bharatiya Jnanpith highlighted the unique qualities of Shukla's work. It noted that his writings were celebrated for their simplicity, sensitivity, and a distinctive style that set him apart. He was also acknowledged as a pioneer of experimental writing within modern Hindi literature.
His literary career began with his first poetry booklet, Lagbhag Jai Hind, published in 1971. He went on to author several major novels that became classics, including Naukar Ki Kameez, Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rahti Thi, and Khilega To Dekhenge. According to the Jnanpith trust, his poems and stories masterfully presented the subtle nuances of common life in accessible language.
The Writer's Own Words and Legacy
Upon receiving the Jnanpith Award, Shukla had reflected on his life and work with characteristic humility and wit. He expressed a sense of incompleteness, stating he had seen, heard, and felt a great deal but had written only a fraction of it. "Till I remain (alive), I want to complete my remaining writings," he had said, adding that he felt regretful that life was approaching its end faster than he could write.
In a moment of light-heartedness, when asked about the award, he quipped, "I cannot say it (the award) is sweet as I am a diabetic." This blend of deep philosophical insight and everyday humour was a hallmark of his personality and his prose.
Vinod Kumar Shukla's death is an irreplaceable loss to the Hindi literary canon. He was not just a writer for Chhattisgarh but a national treasure whose work transcended regional boundaries. His legacy lives on in his published works, which continue to offer a poignant, simple, and deeply human perspective on the world. The literary community, readers, and the people of Chhattisgarh will remember him as a gentle giant whose words carved a permanent niche in Indian literature.
