At 88, Vinod Kumar Shukla, Renowned Indian Author, Dies Due to Interstitial Lung Disease and Pneumonia

Vinod Kumar Shukla, the Jnanpith Award-winning Hindi literary giant, passed away on December 23, 2025, at age 88. He was the writer behind poetic gems like Naukar Ki Kameez, Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi, Khilega To Dekhenge, and also Chhattisgarh's first Jnanpith recipient since 2018. He breathed his last at 4:48 PM in AIIMS Raipur's Critical Care Unit after weeks of breathing struggles. 

Shukla was widely respected for his minimalist prose and poetic sensitivity. Over decades, his work earned critical acclaim and several literary honours. News of his death has led to an outpouring of tributes from writers, scholars, and readers across the country, many remembering him as a rare voice who found beauty in simplicity.

Vinod Kumar Shukla's Death Cause

Admitted December 2, following October's private hospital stay, Shukla's simple, profound style touched generations. AIIMS Raipur's bulletin confirmed interstitial lung disease (ILD), scarring that stiffens lungs, plus severe pneumonia with pleural effusion and systemic infection. Co-morbidities like type 2 diabetes and hypertension worsened it. 

On mechanical ventilation and inotropics, oral candidiasis added hurdles. Pneumonia can significantly strain already damaged lungs, reducing oxygen levels and making recovery difficult. In Shukla’s case, the combination of chronic lung disease and infection is said to have led to severe complications. PM Modi mourned him as an "unmatched storyteller." Tributes flood in from writers worldwide.

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Who Was Vinod Kumar Shukla and Why He Mattered

Vinod Kumar Shukla was one of the most distinctive voices in modern Hindi literature. He is best known for novels like Naukar Ki Kameez and Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi, as well as his poetry that captured ordinary life with uncommon depth.

'मैं ज़िंदा रहना चाहता हूँ'

I want to stay alive till i die a natural death, Not till I killed by someone else.

~Vinod Kumar Shukla🌻

अलविदा!🙏 pic.twitter.com/THdmZ15eGJ

— वाक़िफ़ हैं निगाहें 👀 (@Tere_do_nainaaa) December 23, 2025

His writing style stood apart. Instead of grand drama, he focused on silence, routine, and emotional undercurrents. Literary critics often described his work as gentle yet profound, showing how everyday moments carry meaning. Over the years, he received several prestigious literary awards, cementing his place as a major figure in Indian writing.

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Conclusion

Vinod Kumar Shukla’s death is a significant loss to Indian literature. While his health struggles came quietly, his words will continue to resonate with generations of readers. His life reminds us of the importance of respiratory health, especially in later years, and of the enduring power of thoughtful, understated storytelling. His legacy lives on through his writing, which continues to speak softly yet deeply.