Ruskin Bond, one of India’s most loved and prolific authors turned 91 recently. The celebrated author shares a deep and enduring bond with the city of Dehradun. Nestled in the foothills of Himalayas, Dehradun has not only inspired many of his short stories but has also been his cherished home for years.
Ruskin Bond was born on 19th May, 1934 in Kasauli, Punjab. At the age of 5, he first came to Dehradun with his mother and sister, which also happens to be his maternal home. The author graduated from Bishop Cotton School in Shimla in 1951 and when he was just 17, he started writing his first novel, ‘The Room On The Roof.’ The novel won a John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957 post which Ruskin returned to Dehradun again.
In Dehradun, Ruskin Bond freelanced for a couple of years. Here, the beautiful city and its surroundings profoundly influenced his writings. Many of his short stories like Room On The Roof, The Blur Umbrella and others are steeped in the ambiance of Dehradun, capturing its charm, culture, and the quiet rhythm of life.
Professionally, Bond has been a literary fixture in Dehradun and Mussoorie, often participating in book readings, literary festivals, and school visits, inspiring generations of young readers and writers. He has also supported local bookshops and libraries, contributing significantly to the region’s literary culture.
Currently, the celebrated author has been living in Mussoorie where he continues to write and interact with readers, embodying the timeless spirit of the hills he calls home. His legacy is forever entwined with the soul of Dehradun.
