Extends Congratulations on Jnanpith Award Announcement; Calls It a Moment of Pride for Chhattisgarh
Raipur, 23 March 2025/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai visited the residence of eminent Hindi author Shri Vinod Kumar Shukla in Raipur today to personally extend his congratulations on the announcement of the prestigious Jnanpith Award conferred upon him.
Hailing Shri Shukla’s contribution to literature, Chief Minister Shri Sai said, “Your literary achievements have brought immense pride to Chhattisgarh. On behalf of all citizens of the state, I offer my heartfelt congratulations.” As a token of respect and admiration, Shri Sai presented Shri Shukla with a traditional shawl, Shreephal, and a symbolic Bastar art sculpture of Nandi.
“This recognition is not just a personal honour for Shri Shukla but a proud moment for the entire state. Being able to meet him on this joyous occasion is indeed a privilege,” Shri Sai remarked during the interaction.
During the visit, Chief Minister Shri Sai inquired about Shri Shukla’s health and well-being and fondly recalled that the acclaimed author hails from Rajnandgaon, widely regarded as the cultural heartland of Chhattisgarh. He noted that literary stalwarts such as Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, Dr. Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi and Baldev Prasad Mishra have enriched the literary legacy of Rajnandgaon.
In response, Shri Shukla reminisced about his childhood in the then Nandgaon, describing it as a place deeply etched in his memory. “Though time has changed it in many ways, I still find glimpses of that Naandgaon whenever I visit,” he said with a nostalgic smile.
Chief Minister Shri Sai also met with members of Shri Shukla’s family and conveyed his best wishes to them.
Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included the Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Shri Pankaj Jha, Chief Minister’s Press Officer Shri Alok Singh, Secretary to the CM Shri P. Dayanand, Commissioner of Public Relations Shri Ravi Mittal, President of Raipur Press Club Shri Prafull Thakur, and members of Shri Vinod Kumar Shukla’s family.
