Jnanpith laureate Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla dies in Raipur
Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla, the first Jnanpith Award winner from Chhattisgarh, died at AIIMS Raipur on 23 December 2025.
Summary
Hindi poet and novelist Vinod Kumar Shukla, the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive the Jnanpith Award, died at AIIMS Raipur on 23 December 2025, where he had been under treatment since 2 December. Born on 1 January 1937 in Rajnandgaon, Shukla wrote novels such as 'Naukar Ki Kameez' and 'Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi', which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999. Shukla received the 59th Jnanpith Award (for 2024) at a ceremony held at his residence in Raipur on 21 November 2025; Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his passing, recalling his contribution to Hindi literature.
Key facts
- Died
- 23 December 2025, AIIMS Raipur, Chhattisgarh
- Born
- 1 January 1937, Rajnandgaon
- Jnanpith
- 59th Jnanpith Award (2024); presented 21 November 2025 in Raipur
- First
- First Jnanpith winner from Chhattisgarh
- Sahitya Akademi
- 1999, for 'Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi'
- Other works
- 'Naukar Ki Kameez'; poetry 'Lagbhag Jaihind' (1971)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Vinod Kumar Shukla, who died on 23 December 2025, was the first Jnanpith Award winner from which state?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Chhattisgarh
The Hindu and NDTV (PTI): Shukla was the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive the Jnanpith Award.
Which work of Vinod Kumar Shukla won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999?
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Correct answer: C — Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi
The Tribune and Indian Express: 'Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi' won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999.
Consider the following statements about Vinod Kumar Shukla: 1. He received the 59th Jnanpith Award. 2. He was born in Rajnandgaon. 3. The Jnanpith Award was presented to him at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
NDTV and The Tribune: he got the 59th Jnanpith and was born on 1 January 1937 in Rajnandgaon. The award was presented on 21 November 2025 at his residence in Raipur, not at Rashtrapati Bhavan, so statement 3 is wrong.