Celebrating Ruskin Bond: A Literary Icon Turns 91
On May 19, Ruskin Bond, the beloved children's author known for characters like 'Rusty', turns 91. His life is a tapestry of literary achievements, including over 500 works and numerous awards. Bond's stories have not only captivated young readers but have also inspired several film adaptations. As he continues to write, we delve into his fascinating journey from his early life in Himachal Pradesh to becoming a literary icon. Discover the milestones and accolades that define his remarkable career.
May 19, 2025, 12:53 IST
A Glimpse into Ruskin Bond's Life
Renowned children's author Ruskin Bond, famous for characters like 'Rusty' and 'Uncle Ken', is celebrating his 91st birthday on May 19. He leads a remarkably simple life and has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Additionally, he received the esteemed Sahitya Akademi Fellowship. Bond expresses his desire to continue writing stories for children until his last breath. Let's explore some intriguing facts about Ruskin Bond as we commemorate his birthday...
Birth and Early Life
Ruskin Bond was born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. His childhood was spent in Jamnagar, Shimla, and Dehradun. Tragically, he lost his father at the tender age of eight. While living in Dehradun, his mother remarried. He completed his education at Bishop Cotton School in Shimla and later pursued higher studies in London, where he began his writing career. At just 17, he penned his first novel, 'Room on the Roof', which earned him the prestigious John Llewellyn Rhys Award. However, feeling out of place, he returned to India and settled here.
Literary Contributions
To date, Ruskin Bond has authored over 500 novels, stories, memoirs, and poems, with a significant focus on children's literature. Some of his well-known stories for children include 'A Face in the Dark', 'The Little Friend', 'The Kite Maker', 'The Hill of the Forty Brothers', 'The Wisdom of Allah', 'The Wise Judge', and 'The Hunchbacked Beggar'. Due to these beloved tales, he is affectionately known as the storytelling grandfather among children.
Film Adaptations of Bond's Stories
Many of Bond's stories have been adapted into films. Notable Hollywood adaptations include 'Angry River' and 'Flight of Pigeons'. In Bollywood, Shashi Kapoor adapted Bond's story 'A Flight of Pigeons' into the film 'Junoon' in 1978. Additionally, in 2011, Vishal Bhardwaj adapted Bond's tale 'The Blue Umbrella' into the film 'Saat Khoon Maaf', featuring Priyanka Chopra in the lead role.
Awards and Recognition
In 1957, Ruskin Bond was awarded the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in England. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for his collection of short stories 'Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra'. In 1999, he was honored with the Padma Shri, followed by the Padma Vibhushan in 2014. In 2012, the Delhi government recognized him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.