It's lovely to have written for all generations

HIGH in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by lush greenery and the cool embrace of winter mist, Ruskin Bond leads a quiet, unhurried life with his family.

- DESE GOWDA

HIGH in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by lush greenery and the cool embrace of winter mist, Ruskin Bond leads a quiet, unhurried life with his family. His is a simple existence, largely unchanged for decades, yet is rich with inspiration - one that has fuelled a literary legacy spanning generations. With over 500 short stories, essays, poetry collections, novels, and writings for both children and adults, Bond remains a prolific storyteller even at 90. In recognition of his unparalleled contribution to literature and his role as a bridge between generations of readers, he was recently presented the Ramnath Goenka Sahithya Samman Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024 by The New Indian Express Group.

"A big award like this encourages me to keep writing a little longer, perhaps even long enough to pick up a few more awards!" says Bond. His charm is matched only by his humility. The recognition feels particularly fitting for a writer whose works have shaped the imagination of generations of young Indians for nearly 70 years. From his small wooden cottage in Landour, Bond's stories have touched readers SAHITHY ATH of all ages. "I've met people who grew up reading my books. It's lovely to have written for all generations and to still be doing so," reflects Bond who turned 90 this year.

Nature's narrator