Raipur, December 23: Eminent Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla passed away following age-related health issues. He was undergoing treatment at AIIMS Raipur after being admitted earlier this month due to breathing complications. Awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award in 2024, Shukla was the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive the prestigious honour.

Shukla was widely celebrated for his minimalist, deeply realistic prose and simple yet profound poetry. His novels and stories explored middle-class life, human emotions, and social realities with rare sensitivity. His notable works include Naukar Ki Kameez, Khilega To Dekhenge, Lagbhag Jai Hind, and Ek Chupi Jagah. He is survived by his wife, son Shashwat, and a daughter.