Mussoorie: India’s most loved author, Ruskin Bond, who has written numerous novellas, short-story collections and non-fiction books, many of them classics, celebrates his 86th birthday today.
Recipient of the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014, thanked his fans and admirers for their good wishes.
When asked what is he doing on his birthday, he expressed sadness, as due to the lockdown, he would not be able to celebrate his day among his fans.
In his message to his fans, he urged everyone to respect their elders and sincerely follow the government's lockdown instructions.
Sunil Arora, a close friend of Ruskin Bond and owner of Cambridge Book Depot, informed that his new book 'Miracle at Happy Bazaar' was revealed informally by Bond from his room's window in Landour Cantonment Board.
Bond, who was born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli to a British couple, told that he has dedicated this book to his fans and has released it as a birthday present for them.
Apart from this, Bond has also decided to organise several online competitions- essay competitions, storytelling, quizzes- for his followers.
Sunil Arora also told that the names of the winners for the best birthday wish competition, which will be judged by Bond himself.
ALSO READ: COVID-19 : Virologist Dr. T Jacob John in an exclusive conversation with ETV Bharat
