The literary world of India and the state of Chhattisgarh bid a solemn, state-honoured farewell to one of its most revered sons, eminent Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla, on Wednesday. The final journey of the 88-year-old literary giant, who passed away a day earlier due to age-related ailments, was marked by a poignant gesture from Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who lent his shoulder to carry the mortal remains.
A State's Final Salute to a Literary Icon
The funeral rites were conducted with full state honours at the Marwadi Shamshan Ghat at Budha Talab in Raipur. The scene was one of profound respect, with a sea of senior government officials, fellow writers, and countless admirers in attendance. Before the procession, CM Vishnu Deo Sai visited Shukla's residence in Shailendra Nagar to offer his personal condolences to the grieving family. He placed a wreath and then participated in the funeral procession, physically bearing the weight of the litter as a mark of the state's highest respect.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Sai expressed the magnitude of the loss. "The demise of Vinod Kumar Shukla has caused an irreparable loss to Hindi literature," he stated. He highlighted how Shukla, born in the soil of Chhattisgarh, crafted a unique literary voice. "His writings are a unique blend of sensitivity, human values and simple yet profound expression. His literary contribution took Hindi literature to new heights," Sai said, affirming that Shukla's work would continue to inspire future generations.
End of an Era: Tributes from the Literary Fraternity
The sentiment of an irreplaceable void was echoed by noted poet Kumar Vishwas, who also paid his respects at Shukla's home. Vishwas somberly noted that Shukla's death marks the end of an era in Indian poetry. Reflecting on Shukla's influence, Vishwas said, "For people like us who were born in the 70s... his was one of the standard names in Hindi. Listening to him and reading his work was truly extraordinary." He remembered Shukla as a quiet seeker who shunned publicity, living and departing with serene dignity.
The funeral saw a remarkable turnout of young writers and admirers, a testament to Shukla's enduring relevance. Shashank Sharma, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi, observed that most attendees were young writers from across India. "The new generation sees him as a guiding spirit," Sharma said, revealing that the Sahitya Akademi will dedicate a special session to Shukla during the upcoming Sahitya Utsav from January 23-25. He also highlighted Shukla's focus on children's literature in his last decade.
A Legacy Cemented by the Jnanpith and Beyond
Vinod Kumar Shukla's passing comes shortly after he received one of the nation's top literary accolades. He was conferred the 59th Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honour, earlier this year. The award was presented at his residence in Raipur on November 21, making him the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive the prestigious award. His body of work, including celebrated novels like 'Naukar Ki Kameez', 'Khilega To Dekhenge', and 'Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi', is renowned for its transformative narratives and keen intellectual insight.
His novel 'Naukar Ki Kameez' was adapted into a film by the acclaimed filmmaker Mani Kaul. The literary community mourned a colossal figure. Author Sanjeev Bakshi poignantly said, "We have lost one of the world's greatest personalities... His name falters on the lips—it is hard to accept that Vinod Ji is no longer with us. Yet, he will always remain vibrantly alive through his works." The state and the country remember a writer whose quiet power reshaped Hindi literature, leaving behind a legacy that will illuminate the path for readers and writers for generations to come.
