Vinod Kumar Shukla from Chhattisgarh wins Jnanpith

Prominent senior Hindi litterateur Vinod Kumar Shukla will be awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award for 2024 for his contributions to Hindi Literature. The JAward is the highest literary honour of India given to writers who have excelled in literature in different Indian languages.

Shukla, a renowned Hindi writer, poet and novelist, becomes the first person from Chhattisgarh state who is being awarded this honour.

“His writings are known for their simplicity, sensitivity and unique writing style. He is also famous for experimental writing in modern Hindi literature. His first booklet of poetry ‘Lagbhag Jai Hind’ was published in 1971. His major novels include ‘Naukar Ki Kameez’. ‘Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rahti Thi’ and ‘Khilega To Dekhenge’,” states a release by Bharatiya Jnanpith.

“His poems and stories present the nuances of a common life in a simple language. His writing beautifully expresses the feelings of the common man, his everyday life and the complexities of society. He has also been awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award among other prestigious honors,” it adds.

Over the years, the reclusive 88-year-old has cultivated a cult following in Hindi literary circles for his distinctive matter-of-fact magi realist writing that cuts through the chaos and complexities of contemporary life. English translations of his works, ‘Blue is Like Blue’, a collection of short stories, and ‘Treasurer of Piggy Banks’, a collection of poems, recently published by HarperCollins India and Westland Books respectively, have also found critical and commercial success among younger reader

This is the 12th time a Hindi writer is being awarded this honour. The award carries with it a cash of Rs 11 lakh, a bronze statue of the Hindu Goddess Vagdevi and a citation.