© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Author Ruskin Bond turned 90 on Sunday, and boy, does he have stories to share. In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Bond talked about several aspects of his life, and he also recounted his visit to the famous Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
Born in 1934 to British parents in the town of Kasauli, Ruskin Bond said he was charged extra at the Konark Sun Temple because he ‘looked like a foreigner.’ “They charge extra from foreigners for entering Konark (Sun Temple in Odisha). I said, ‘I am not a foreigner, I am an Indian.’ But then to avoid an argument, I paid extra,” Bond told PTI.
He also narrated what happened next. “Behind me came a Sardar ji. He had a British passport but they let him in. He wasn’t charged extra because he didn’t look like a foreigner.”
Watch the video below:
This tale is just one of many from the beloved author who’s written more than 500 short stories, essays, and novels. He has also penned 69 books for children and scooped up some awards like the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan.
One user wrote, “This whole concept of charging foreigners extra is ridiculous… Only twisted brains come up with such discriminatory policy.” Another user added, “Wonder what year this was? As by showing the Adhaar card one gets the normal price.” A third user went on to say, “My daughter got very angry after reading this. She said “how dare they not to recognise THE Ruskin Bond! The famous author.” A fourth user commented, “Many happy returns of the day to India’s Mr. Bond! Many happy memories of reading this fine author books, including the Lone Fox Dancing!”
The video is being shared widely on X, racking up 313.2K views. In addition to this, the post includes three follow-up threads where Ruskin Bond dives into his lifelong bachelorhood, his decision to pursue writing, and the special bond he shares with his fans.
