Eminent Hindi litterateur Vinod Kumar Shukla will be conferred with the 59th Jnanpith Award for the year 2024, for his creativity, unique writing style and contribution to Hindi literature. This is the 12th time a Hindi writer is being awarded the honor and the first time a writer from Chhattisgarh is being awarded.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Jnanpith Award selection committee chaired by writer and former Jnanpith Awardee Pratibha Rai. Other members of the selection committee included writers Madhav Kaushik, Damodar Mauzo, Prabha Verma, Anamika, A Krishna Rao, Prafful Shiledar, Janaki Prasad Sharma and director of the Jnanpith Madhusudan Anand.
Vinod Kumar Shukla, who was born on 1 January 1937, is a writer, poet and novelist in Hindi. His writings are known for their simplicity, sensitivity and unique writing style. He is also famous for experimental writing in modern Hindi literature, the Bhartiya Jnanpith trust announced.
Shukla’s 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. “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.”
The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary honor of India. given to writers who have excelled in literature in different Indian languages. The award carries with it a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh, a bronze statue of Vagdevi and a citation.
“It is a matter of great joy and pride for Hindi literature lovers and the entire literary community that a gem like Vinod Kumar Shukla is being awarded this honor. This award is a tribute to his literary pursuit and creativity, which has given new heights to Hindi literature,” RK Tiwari, GM, Bhartiya Jnanpith said in a release.
