Hindi Writer Kailash Chandra Pant, Padma Shri Awardee, Dies at 90

Kailash Chandra Pant, a noted Hindi writer and journalist, died of cardiac arrest on 31 July 2026 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, at the age of 90. Born on Republic Day 1936 in Mhow (now part of Indore district), Pant spent his career promoting the Hindi language, serving as general secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Rashtrabhasha Prachar Samiti, director of Hindi Bhavan in Bhopal, and lecturer at the Union Theological Seminary in Indore. He edited several literary journals and authored works such as “Kaun Kiska Aadmi” and “Shailesh Matiyani: Srijan Yatra”. Earlier in 2026 he was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth‑highest civilian honour, for his contributions to Hindi literature, and education. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed condolences on social media, noting Pant’s lasting impact on the state’s cultural landscape. His last rites will be performed at Bhadbhada Vishram Ghat.