Vinod Kumar Shukla – 59th Jnanpith Award Winner

Vinod Kumar Shukla – 59th Jnanpith Award Winner

Vinod Kumar Shukla, born on January 1, 1937, in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, is a renowned Hindi writer and poet. Known for his minimalist and introspective writing style, Shukla’s works explore the subtle emotions and everyday experiences of common people. His literary contributions span over five decades.

He is best known for his novel “Naukar Ki Kameez” (1979), which was adapted into a film by Mani Kaul, and “Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahti Thi”, which won him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999. His poetry collections like “Lagbhag Jai Hind” and “Sab Kuch Hona Bacha Rahega” are praised for their emotional depth and simplicity.

In 2023, Vinod Kumar Shukla was awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award, becoming the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive this honor. The Jnanpith Award, established in 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith, is India’s highest literary award. It includes:

Cash Prize: ₹11 lakh

Citation

Bronze idol of Saraswati (Goddess of Learning)

The award is given for outstanding contributions to Indian literature in any of the 22 official languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Despite national and international acclaim, Shukla remains humble. His literary voice continues to influence contemporary Hindi literature, making him a significant figure in India’s literary landscape.