Uttarakhand: Ruskin Bond unveils ‘The Hills of Enchantment’ a book of his life stories and Mussoorie’s beauty
Mussoorie: Ruskin Bond’s love for Mussoorie is well-known to his readers. This eminent contemporary Indian writer of British descent, has left an indelible mark on literature, describing hills, forest, rivers of Uttarakhand in his penned books. On Tuesday, this 90-year-old author unveiled a book “The Hill of Enchantment: The Story of My Life as a Writer” in Mussoorie which is a captivating glimpse into the life and literary journey of his life.
Uttarakhand’s natural beauty is an integral part of his literature
Born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, India, he is celebrated for his inspiring children’s books and captivating narratives. In this poignant work, Bond reflects on his rich experiences, the events that inspired his famous books and stories, and the profound influence of the mountains, solitude, and Pari Tibba (Fairy Hill) that he can see from his window at his residence in Landour, Mussoorie, which is surrounded by the serene beauty of the mountains of Uttarakhand.
This book provides glimpses into his life, love for nature, and the enchantment of the hills
Through this book, at the age of ninety, Ruskin Bond shares his insights, wisdom, and memories accumulated over a lifetime of writing. Moreover, he delves into the experiences that have shaped him as an author. The Uttarakhand hills hold a special place in Bond’s stories, representing a sanctuary from the chaos of the world. While penning this book, the view of Pari Tibba from his window has been a constant companion, inspiring his imagination and influencing his literary endeavors.
Ruskin Bond, an Indian writer of British descent
Ruskin Bond was born to Edith Clarke and Aubrey Bond on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli. His father, a military man, taught English to the princesses of the Jamnagar palace, where Ruskin spent his early years. After his father’s death, he was raised in Dehradun and attended Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, where he won several writing competitions.
He penned his first book at the age of sixteen
At the age of sixteen, he penned one of his first short stories, titled “Untouchable.” Bond’s debut novel, “The Room on the Roof”, was published in 1956 and received the prestigious John Llewellyn Rhys Prize in 1957. His prolific output includes over 500 short stories, essays, and novels, with a remarkable 69 books specifically for children. His writing captures the essence of the Indian landscape, its people, and the magic of the hills.
His famous books include “The Blue Umbrella”
Among his noteworthy books, a heartwarming tale set in the hills, “The Blue Umbrella” tells a story of a young girl’s prized possession—a blue umbrella—becomes a symbol of wonder and envy. While “Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra” is a collection of nostalgic stories that evoke the beauty of Dehradun and its surroundings. A film “Junoon” was made on “A Flight of Pigeons” a novella set during the Indian rebellion of 1857.
Ruskin Bonds won many awards and honors for his unmatched storytelling
From winning the highest civilian awards Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2014) to the Sahitya Akademi Award (1992) for “Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra” Ruskin Bond bagged many awards for his significant contributions to literature.