Ruskin Bond is a popular Indian author of British descent, known for his books on children's literature, fiction, and non-fiction. He was born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India, to Edith Clarke and Aubrey Alexander Bond. His mother was a British national, while his father was an Indian government official.
Bond's early life was marked by several personal tragedies. His mother passed away when he was only four years old, and his father passed away when he was ten. He was then sent to live with his maternal grandparents in England, where he attended schools in West Sussex and Kent. After completing his education, Bond returned to India in 1953 and began working as a freelance journalist and writer.
Bond's writing career began with the publication of his first novel, "The Room on the Roof," in 1956. This novel, which was inspired by his own experiences of living in a boarding house in Dehradun, won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957 and was later adapted into a film in 2017. Since then, Bond has written over a hundred books, including novels, short story collections, and non-fiction works on Indian history and culture.
Bond's writing is known for its simplicity and warmth, and he has often been referred to as the "grandfather of children's literature in India." His books have been translated into several languages and have won numerous awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan.
In addition to his writing, Bond has also been involved in several philanthropic endeavors. He has worked with organizations such as the Children's Book Trust and the National Trust for Nature Conservation, and has also supported causes such as animal welfare and environmental conservation.
Throughout his career, Bond has remained a beloved and respected figure in the literary world, and his work continues to inspire and entertain readers of all ages.
