As Ruskin Bond turns 92, here are lesser-known facts about the legendary writer

Ruskin Bond has spent decades charming readers with stories filled with hills, rain, trains, childhood nostalgia, and quiet moments of life. As the beloved writer turns 92, here are some lesser-known facts from his fascinating life and literary journey. (wikimedia commons)

He Decided to Become a Writer While Living in England: During a four year stay in Britain in his late teens, Bond realised he wanted to return to India and pursue writing seriously. It was there he wrote The Room on the Roof. (amazon.in)

He Lost His Father at Just 10 Years Old: Bond was extremely close to his father, who died of malaria in 1944 while posted in Kolkata. The loss deeply influenced his writing and emotional world. (amazon.in)

He Spent His Childhood Across Different Indian Cities: Bond grew up in places including Jamnagar, Delhi, Shimla, Mussoorie, and Dehradun, experiences that later shaped the settings of many of his stories. (wikimedia commons)

He Wrote His First Short Story at 16: His first short story, Untouchable, was written when he was only 16 years old, marking the beginning of his lifelong writing career. (amazon.in)

His Father Chose the Name “Ruskin”: Born Owen Ruskin Bond in 1934, the author was named “Ruskin” by his father Aubrey Bond. (wikimedia commons)

Mario Miranda Illustrated His First Novel: When The Room on the Roof was serialised in The Illustrated Weekly in 1956, the illustrations were created by legendary cartoonist Mario Miranda. (wikimedia commons)