Dehradun

Surrounded by blooming flowers, cheerful children and the soft sounds of birdsong, celebrated author Ruskin Bond marked his 92nd birthday in a setting that seemed straight out of one of his own books — warm, simple and full of charm.

Though recovering from spinal surgery and currently using a wheelchair, Bond’s trademark humour and energy remained untouched as he shared memories, reflections and anecdotes from a life devoted to storytelling.

One such memory drew laughter from everyone around him. Recalling his younger days in Dehradun, Bond spoke fondly about frequent visits to the city’s famous chaat stalls near the Clock Tower.

“As a boy, I loved eating golgappas, chaat and tikkis there. At one point, I even held a record for eating the most aloo tikkis. I had 20 in one sitting — and I’m still here,” he joked during an interaction with PTI.

Very few authors can claim a literary journey spanning over seven decades, more than 500 published works and generations of loyal readers. Fewer still carry their legacy with the effortless ease and humility that Bond does.

This year’s birthday celebrations were held in Dehradun due to health concerns, keeping him away from his beloved Ivy Cottage in Landour, nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand.

The occasion also coincided with the recent release of his latest book, All-Time Favourite Friendship Stories, turning the gathering into an intimate literary celebration. Dressed casually in a light pink T-shirt, Bond spent time interacting with admirers, students and readers who had come carrying greeting cards and copies of his books for autographs.

When asked which fictional character he would most like to have beside him on his birthday, Bond immediately mentioned Somi from The Room on the Roof, his iconic debut novel written when he was only 17.

“I haven’t seen him in years. It would have been wonderful to celebrate with him,” Bond said with a smile.

Somi, the cheerful Sikh boy from the novel, remains one of Bond’s most loved characters and the closest companion of Rusty, the semi-autobiographical protagonist who appears in several of his stories.

Throughout the interaction, Bond repeatedly expressed his deep emotional connection with India. Speaking to young readers, he encouraged them to travel the world if they wished, but reminded them never to lose touch with their roots.

“When I left India at 17, I realised after a few years that I could never truly belong anywhere else. India was always home for me — not only because of its people or places, but because of its atmosphere,” he said.

He described India as a land of immense diversity held together by a unique sense of unity and emotional belonging.

Bond also reflected humorously on how his writing career began. He admitted that poor performance in science and mathematics pushed him toward literature.

“I was good at English, geography and history, but maths, physics and chemistry were disasters for me. Becoming a writer seemed like the smartest option,” he quipped.

Born in 1934 in Kasauli to British parents Edith Clarke and Aubrey Bond, he experienced a difficult childhood after his parents separated when he was very young. Much of his upbringing took place in Dehradun under the care of his grandmother. Over the years, he lived in Jamnagar, Shimla and Delhi before eventually settling in Landour in 1963.

Bond’s contribution to literature has earned him several prestigious honours, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship.

As he cut a bright yellow-and-blue birthday cake inspired by the cover design of his new book, Bond spoke thoughtfully about ageing. Rather than dwelling on difficulties, he chose to focus on gratitude, memories and the value of time.

“You begin to appreciate life more deeply when you know time is limited. Memories become precious, and you learn to value every moment,” he reflected.

Even as failing eyesight forces him to dictate stories to his granddaughter Shristi instead of writing by hand, Bond continues to remain creatively active and optimistic.

With his characteristic wit, he added that he has always avoided “overworking”, joking that he had maintained that philosophy ever since the publication of his first novel nearly 70 years ago.

Despite age and health challenges, Bond’s enthusiasm for storytelling remains strong. His latest collection celebrates friendship through 25 stories, including classics such as Rusty and Somi, The Hidden Pool, The Playing Fields of Simla and Two Boys and a Tiger.

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The book, All-Time Favourite Friendship Stories, is available in bookstores and online platforms for readers eager to revisit Bond’s gentle and enduring literary world.