Renowned writer Ruskin Bond. (Press Trust of India File photo)
A small procession of kinds makes its way up the sharp incline through the Landour Cantonment to author Ruskin Bond's home in Mussoorie. Everyone, children of all ages, restless media in droves arrive at his footstep accompanied by the local legislator, town mayor, publishers, fans, avid readers and admirers, all in a hurry to wish the gentle muse of Mussoorie on his 82nd birthday.
So how does he feel being 82? "Chalti ka naam gaadi, chugging along," he says with a twinkle in his eye.
Even on his birthday, in spite of the continuous flow of well-wishers, we find the octogenarian author busy at his desk churning out lines of wisdom to entertain and amuse the young mind. He definitely shows no signs of slowing down.
"I dread my birthdays... I don't know who might just turn up" he frets, as his sitting room overflows with bouquets, gifts, cakes and bakes of all kinds - generous offerings left behind by an unending list of ardent readers and sometimes complete strangers from early sunrise to sunset.
Even at 82, Ruskin Bond doesn't feel old. And as his friend for over 50 years, Ganesh Saili puts it, "Bond is still young at heart, maybe a bit frail yet strong and sometimes grumpy, but always lovable."
Meanwhile in Delhi, Rupa Publications brought out two new books by the author, 'My Favourite Nature Stories' and 'The World Outside My Window' on his birthday.