Vinod Kumar Shukla, born on 1 January 1937, was a luminary in Hindi literature. Known for blending simplicity with profound insight, his works explored the subtleties of human life, often tinged with magic realism. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Shukla transformed ordinary experiences into extraordinary narratives, leaving a lasting mark on contemporary Hindi writing.
Who was Writer Vinod Kumar Shukla?
Vinod Kumar Shukla was a pioneering Hindi author celebrated for his meditative storytelling. His novels and poetry reflected everyday life in central India while carrying philosophical depth. He became the first Chhattisgarhi writer to receive the prestigious Jnanpith Award and was also recognized internationally with the PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in Literature.
Vinod Kumar Shukla Age
Shukla lived to the age of 88, passing away on 23 December 2025. His long life was marked by an unwavering commitment to literature, producing works that resonated across generations.
Vinod Kumar Shukla Family
Vinod Kumar Shukla was survived by his wife, though public information about her name or personal details is not widely available. She, along with their son Shashwat and daughter, were mentioned in tributes following his passing.
Vinod Kumar Shukla Education
Shukla completed his post-graduation with an M.Sc. in Agriculture from Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur. His academic background in agriculture influenced his depiction of rural life and human relationships in his literary works.
Vinod Kumar Shukla Career
He began his professional journey as a lecturer at the Agriculture College in Raipur. Parallelly, he pursued writing, inspired by the poet Muktibodh and other literary figures in Chhattisgarh. His dual engagement in academics and literature shaped a grounded yet imaginative voice in Hindi writing.
Vinod Kumar Shukla Publications
Shukla’s literary contributions include poems, short stories and novels. His notable works are
- Lagbhag Jai Hind (1971) – First collection of poems
- Vah Aadmi Chala Gaya Naya Garam Coat Pehankar Vichar Ki Tarah (1981) – Poetry collection
- Naukar Ki Kameez (1979) – First novel, later adapted into a film by Mani Kaul
- Ped Par Kamra (1988) – Short story collection
- Sab Kuch Hona Bacha Rahega (1992) – Poetry collection
- Khilega To Dekhenge – Novel written during his residency at Nirala Srijanpeeth, Agra
- Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rehti Thi – Award-winning novel (Sahitya Akademi Award, 1999)
- A Window Lived in a Wall – English translation of Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rehti Thi
- Ek Chuppi Jagah – Young adult novel produced during residency at Ektara – Takshila’s Centre for Children’s Literature & Art
His works have been translated into several languages, extending his influence beyond Hindi readers.
Vinod Kumar Shukla Movie
Naukar Ki Kameez, his first novel, was adapted into a film by director Mani Kaul. The cinematic adaptation brought Shukla’s subtle storytelling to a wider audience and underscored his skill in portraying ordinary lives with poetic depth.
Vinod Kumar Shukla: Legacy of simplicity and humanism
Shukla’s writing celebrated the beauty in simplicity with eschewing ornate language, he explored human emotions, social nuances and existential reflections. His work continues to inspire writers and readers to appreciate the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Vinod Kumar Shukla Net Worth
Despite his literary fame, Shukla led a modest life. His earnings from royalties were minimal, reportedly receiving small amounts for decades of published works, reflecting his focus on craft over commercial success.
Vinod Kumar Shukla Cause of Death
Shukla passed away from interstitial lung disease and pneumonia at AIIMS, Raipur on 23 December 2025. His death was mourned widely, with tributes highlighting his literary and cultural contributions.
Vinod Kumar Shukla Awards
He received numerous accolades including
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1999) – For the novel Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rehti Thi
- Jnanpith Award (2025) – India’s highest literary honor; first recipient from Chhattisgarh
- PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature – Recognizing global literary contribution
- Shikhar Samman – For distinguished contribution to Hindi literature
- Rashtriya Hindi Gaurav Samman – National recognition for promoting Hindi language and literature
- Maithilisharan Gupt Samman – For excellence in literary work
- Residency Recognition at Nirala Srijanpeeth, Agra – Acknowledgment as a guest litterateur
- Artists’ Residency by Ektara – Takshila’s Centre for Children’s Literature & Art – For contributions to young adult literature
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects research-based reporting on Vinod Kumar Shukla’s life and literary contributions.