UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24th March 2025

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Vinod Kumar Shukla named for 59th Jnanapith Award

Why in News?

Renowned Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award for his realistic portrayal of ordinary lives, poetic sensitivity, and contribution to modern Hindi literature.

Introduction

Eminent Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been conferred the 59th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honor, in recognition of his simplicity and sensitivity in writing.
Shukla, known for his realistic portrayal of ordinary lives, is the 12th Hindi writer and the first from Chhattisgarh to receive this prestigious award.

Life and Literary Journey

Born in 1937, Shukla was deeply influenced by his mother, who read aloud Bengali literature at home.
His journey into literature began after he failed his Hindi exam in Class 12, which changed his career path.
He was mentored by renowned Hindi writer Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, who encouraged him to pursue writing.
Shukla’s literary career flourished as his works were published in prestigious magazines like Pustak Kriti.
Despite holding a master’s degree in agriculture, he dedicated his life to writing.

Major Works and Literary Style

Shukla’s works focus on the struggles of ordinary people, their aspirations, and the subtle beauty of everyday life. His notable works include:

Naukar ki Kameez – A novel about a clerk navigating workplace hierarchies.
Khilega Toh Dekhenge – Explores the experiences of a teacher in a remote village.
Deewar Mein Ek Khirki Rehti Thi – A story of young love, widely regarded as one of his finest works.
Sab Kucch Hona Bacha Rahega (Poem, 1992) – A celebrated poem that reflects the universal need for hope.

Shukla’s poetic style revolutionized modern Hindi literature, focusing on language, emotions, and humanistic themes rather than political ideologies.

Recognition and Literary Impact

His writing is known for its ease, realism, and deep philosophical undertones, making his works accessible yet profound.
Literary scholars like Avinash Mishra and Ambuj Kumar highlight his contribution to reshaping modern Hindi literature.
His works have inspired readers and writers across generations, with publishers like Hind Yugm recognizing his impact on contemporary Hindi literature.

About the Jnanpith Award

The Jnanpith Award is India’s oldest and most prestigious literary award, given annually to an author for their outstanding contribution to literature.
Established in 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith, the first award was presented in 1965.
It considers works in English and other Indian languages but is only awarded to Indian citizens.
The award is not given posthumously.

Bharatiya Jnanpith: The Presenting Organization

Founded in 1944 by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Rama Jain.
Headquartered in New Delhi, it promotes literature, research, and culture through awards, publications, fellowships, and literary research.