A tribute to the hero all little people adore

This appeared in last Monday's DNA   Happy 80, Rusty

As one of India’s favourite author, Ruskin Bond, celebrates his birthday today, dna talks to two children’s book writers on his enduring popularity

Bangalore: If there was anyone who can lend credence to the statement ‘Age is just a number’, Ruskin Bond would be it. The prolific writer, whose pen refuses to slow down yet, turns 80 today but who’d know that judging by the books he continues to unspool. Starting off his career in 1951, at the sprightly age of 17, Bond’s impressive cache short stories collections and novels continue to spark the imaginations of kids and adults alike. An avowed fan of the author, children’s writer Asha Nehemiah says, “I am a huge fan of Ruskin Bond. His stories bring out a lot of interest as they reveal simple everyday experiences. They are also told with a lot of humour. I feel children are still very engrossed in his books even today as they have exciting stories on the hills, nature and people. He is one of the most popular children book authors and his books are widely used in various school all across the world. There have been many children who often tell me how they thoroughly enjoy his works and it is true that he is such a well-known author as he is one of the very few names they know. My favourite book of his would be his recent one, Tigers For Dinner. It is well produced and I have bought innumerable copies to give as gifts.” Roopa Pai, writer of the Taranauts adventure series, says, “I just absolutely love him. I grew up reading his books and found them very engaging. The first book I read was the ICSE text, Room On The Roof. I was 17 at that time and so was the protagonist of the story, so it created a huge impression on me. His writing is classic and he uses good language without showing off his diction. Everyone can understand what he writes. He is very indulgent to people and the world and he never judges any characters in his book. He looks at the world with gentle eyes showing no aggression and is very witty. He is not an old stick in the mud. That’s what makes him different. He has a big advantage as his books are now being turned into text books so children are more exposed to his works these days. He cannot be disliked by anyone. He has taught me the power of writing. It is not easy at all but he makes it seem so simple. I was lucky enough to interview him a few years back and that was such an amazing experience. I had met him the previous day just to get to know him a little and during the interview he had told the entire crowd how he was impressed with my books. He was fascinated with all the words I had made up and said if they weren’t in the dictionary they should be included someday. What touched me was that he actually took the trouble to read them. I will always be grateful to him and can never forget him.” mybangalore@dnaindia.net