Veteran Uttarakhand Author Vallabh Dobhal Passes Away at 97
SUNIL NEGI
August 29, 2026:
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of renowned veteran litterateur and writer of Uttarakhand and India, Shri Vallabh Dobhal, who breathed his last at his residence today, August 29, 2026, at 1:50 p.m. He was 97 years old.
Shri Dobhal had been unwell and was hospitalised earlier this week. After returning home, he passed away peacefully at his Delhi residence in the presence of his daughter, sons and close associates.
A prolific writer, Vallabh Dobhal devoted his long literary life to a wide range of genres. He wrote stories, novels, poetry and literature for children, leaving behind a rich body of work comprising approximately three dozen books.
Among his documented works is the novel Ateet Ke Akshar (Letters of the Past), published by Prabhat Prakashan in 1986. His collection Shraddh Ki Dakshina Aur Anya Hasya Kathayen (Shraddh Ki Dakshina and Other Humorous Stories) has also been listed by the Publications Division of the Government of India.
His literary work continued to receive attention even in his nineties. His story “Wah Yatra Anant” (That Journey is Endless) was published in the Government of India’s literary journal Aajkal.
At the time of his demise, noted Uttarakhand writers Raja Khushal, Kamlesh Bhatt and his admirer Laxmi Narayan, besides members of his family, were present at his residence.
Several prominent writers and literary figures, including Virendra Azam, Hema Uniyal, Gautam Vyathit, Prakash Manu, Kishore Kumar Kaushal , Sunil Negi, author and journalist and publisher Pramod Uniyal, expressed their deep condolences on his passing.
Vallabh Dobhal’s death marks the end of a remarkable literary journey spanning several decades. His contribution to Hindi literature, particularly his stories, novels, poetry and children’s literature, will remain a part of the literary heritage of Uttarakhand and Hindi letters.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Our heartfelt and humble tribute to the departed literary stalwart.
Available bibliographic evidence confirms that Vallabh Dobhal was a published Hindi novelist, short-story writer and poet whose literary career extended over several decades. His novel Ateet Ke Akshar was published in Delhi by Prabhat Prakashan in 1986.
His work was not confined to adult fiction. Shraddh Ki Dakshina Aur Anya Hasya Kathayen is documented by the Government of India’s Publications Division, while library records also identify Shradhy Ki Dakshina under his authorship.
A particularly significant indication of his literary standing is the existence of a published volume titled Kathakar Ballabh Dobhal Ke Rochak Sansmaran (Interesting Reminiscences of Storyteller Ballabh Dobhal), edited by Kishore Kumar Kaushal.
His writing also found a place in contemporary cultural media. A 2021 short film, Bol Diyaan Unma, credits Vallabh Dobhal and Meenakshi Negi as writers, demonstrating that his literary work continued to inspire adaptations into the 21st century.
A recent publication marking his 97th birthday on March 30 also referred to his continuing intellectual curiosity and engagement with reading and literature at that advanced age.
