– Satyakam Ray
It’s always the same with mountains. You belong to them once you have lived with them for any time. There is no escape. – The quote by Ruskin Bond is quite apt. This is based on the master storyteller’s life itinerary. He has spent much of his writing career in the hills, inspired by nature. Listening to the birds chirping brings joy to the writer from the mountains. Watching the squirrels run in the tree branches adds to this pleasure. Little monkeys jumping from tree to tree also enhances this enjoyment. Observing ordinary folks from the window gives him joy. They walk around dealing with daily misery and happiness.
The writer recently celebrated his 87th birthday with his extended family in Mussoorie. Due to the coronavirus, his interaction with fans and readers had ceased. His weekly visit to the Oxford Bookshop was deferred. Yet, his enthusiasm for writing classic, engaging short stories remains unchanged, as Mr. Bond continues to write new books for his devoted reader base.
Ruskin Bond- Childhood and Nostalgia of India:
Ruskin Bond was born to British parents. He grew up with Indian princes and princesses as childhood friends. This gave him a profound impression of Indian culture. He has a special bond with his ardent fans. The bond was so strong that even after four years in England, he couldn’t forget life in India. The nostalgia and free spirit brought him back to his hometown. After that, he became a writer and received many accolades in the literary community.
Ruskin Bond- Work, recognition, and writing style:
Ruskin Bond has crafted short stories and novels that transport readers into a vicarious state of mind. They feel as if they are the story’s main character, experiencing all the events firsthand. That’s the essence of a literary maestro: connecting with the audience and maintaining a fluid flow of writing. Very few people can do that through their writings, and Ruskin Bond is one of them. The well-deserved literary legend has received his due recognition. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award. He also received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014. More than the awards, he has a vast fan base, from children to older adults.
Suppose anybody looks at the Bonds’ other works. In that case, “Rusti Runs Away” is undoubtedly the best fictional work. It captures the bratty attitude of adolescence. It also portrays the urge to live a free life. “The Night Train of shamli,” a masterpiece by Ruskin Bond, subtly explores youthful naivety. It also delves into youthful eagerness toward the love interest. While entering the youth stage, one seeks freedom. This is aptly reflected in Ruskin Bond’s stories. These experiences show a craving for freedom. One might run wildly after encountering a ghost in the pine forest. They might see apparitions of monkeys, broomsticks, or witches. The millennial killing at midnight also adds to the allure. The stories and characters show the author’s spooky side.
Though not married, Ruskin Bond has fallen in love many times. He proclaims that he once fell in love with a girl on a village road. This happened while he was trying different berries from the bush. Yet, the shy romanticism didn’t give him the confidence to move further.
The stories of Ruskin Bond resonate with audiences as a form of escapism from the mendacity of daily life. They allow them to explore the warmth and liveliness of the natural world. Walking down the village road or beside the stream side along a knoll while reading P.G. Woodhouse’s classic, an eccentric, sacrilegious routine of Mr. Bond provides him with the required ammunition to counter his readers’ curiosity through a soul-enthralling yet straightforward process.
Ruskin Bond’s books are “unputdownable” due to their minimalist grandiloquence and lucid prose. When asked about his writing style, Mr. Bond always stresses clarity. He doesn’t want his readers to “toil and sweat” to enjoy the literature.
The writer from Dehra often writes about people from different walks of life. According to Bond, he can connect with his subjects through what he sees daily. That’s why he doesn’t write about conspiracy theories, sex, violence, political patronage, etc. Although some of his writings are intended for children, adults enjoy them as well.
Conclusion:
The soul-stirring literary work of Ruskin Bond enriches the precious lives of book readers. Amid the uncertainty of the future, a little bedside Ruskin Bond book gives little solace and hope for better prospects. According to Ruskin Bond, happiness is mysterious, to be found somewhere between too little and too much. Yearning for good vibes and happiness is the quintessential trait of a fulfilled life. Ruskin Bond’s books give the zeal to pursue those aspects.
The Witty Stride 