Ruskin Bond celebrates his 75th birthday

Mussoorie, May 20 (ANI): Ruskin Bond, a stalwart of children's literature, celebrated his 75th birthday with children here on Tuesday.

The famed writer who wrote more than hundred short stories, essays, novels in his writing career of forty years, chose a bookstore to celebrate his platinum birthday.

School children from various schools have presented Bond with flower bouquet and many other gifts. In return, Bond blessed them with autographs.

School children were delighted on being a part of the birthday function of Bond, who has written more than thirty books for children.

"We felt very nice. We have gathered here to celebrate Ruskin Sir's birthday," said Himani, a student.

On the occasion, Bond also revealed about his upcoming book.

"I am writing "Diary of the School Master". Its is a funny book, " said Bond, whose stories are predominantly set in Garhwal.

Born in 1934, Bond is known for writing simple, calm, humourous and satirical stuff.

His most famous books include "A Flight of Pigeons", "Delhi Is Not Far" and "Vagrants in the Valley".

Whereas his acclaimed short stories collection include "Time Stops at Shamli", "Night Train at Deoli" and "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra".

Besides this, Bond has also edited two anthologies, "The Penguin Book of Indian Ghost Stories", and "The Penguin Book of Indian Railway Stories".

Bond was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for his contribution to children's literature. (ANI)