Litterateur Vinod Kumar Shukla passes away (file photo)
JNN, Bilaspur. For the literary world of Chhattisgarh, this evening became not of words but of condolences. As soon as the news of the demise of renowned Hindi litterateur Vinod Kumar Shukla, who was awarded the Jnanpith Award, was received, the All India Kavi Sammelan organized under the State Youth Festival in Bilaspur was postponed. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, Deputy Chief Ministers and guests called it a decision of respect for literature.
That moment came on Tuesday in the Sports and Youth Festival at the Police Ground located in Civil Lines, when the atmosphere of celebration suddenly turned into mourning. As soon as the news of the demise of litterateur Vinod Kumar Shukla reached the stage, the nature of the event was reconsidered. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu and the guests present on the stage paid tribute to Shukla ji by offering floral garlands on his photograph and observed two minutes of silence. Poet Kumar Vishwas was also present on the stage.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao clearly said that it would not be appropriate to organize a Kavi Sammelan at such a time. This decision is a symbol of respect and sympathy towards literature. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai in his address said that the Youth Festival has started and in the coming time, big events like Khelo India in 2026 are also proposed, but today is the day to pay tribute to an era of literature.
The Chief Minister said that today was an opportunity to listen to all the renowned poets including Dr. Kumar Vishwas, but the demise of Vinod Kumar Shukla is an irreparable loss for Hindi literature. He reminded that on the State Foundation Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also inquired about Shukla ji's health. The Chief Minister announced that Dr. Kumar Vishwas' Kavi Sammelan will be organized again in the next two-and-a-half months.
Kumar Vishwas died from the stage. Tribute to Shukla
Kumar Vishwas said from the stage that the cultural consciousness in India and the world will be read and seen tomorrow. People of Chhattisgarh are emotionally connected, tolerant and maternal relatives of Lord Shri Ram. After this condolence message, I also assure you that after Holi, I will meet you at a similar pandal through your respective Rams. It is possible that many of the young generation may not know this ascetic. But, the crowd present here will now know them well. I pay homage to this virtuous soul.
Emotional message on Instagram too
Poet Dr. Kumar Vishwas wrote on Instagram that he was leaving from Raipur for Bilaspur Kavi Sammelan, when the news of Vinod Kumar Shukla's departure to Golok was received. He wrote that it is sad not to be able to recite poetry for more than 15 thousand listeners, but it is not appropriate to decorate the poetry stage after the death of an ascetic of words. This decision was taken after communication with the Chief Minister.
decision taken for literature
Postponing the Kavi Sammelan organized under the State Youth Festival was not just an administrative decision but was considered a sign of literary decorum. The Chief Minister said that Vinod Kumar Shukla was a true son of Chhattisgarh and his absence can never be filled. It was prayed to God that the departed soul may rest in peace and the family may get strength to bear this loss.