Rendezvous with Ruskin Bond by Jessica Bajaj, 6C.

We went to KR Mangalam World School on 7th November, 2014 to meet the man with the magic pen.

We went there and welcomed himin great happiness and a big round of applause. He was happy too. He told us that he was 80 years old and started his career after passing out from Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. He went to London for his further studies. After his inspirational introduction, students from the host school asked him questions and asked him to read aloud some lines from his newly published book 'LOVE FROM THE HILLS'.

Mr . Bond took out his black spectacles and read a few lines from his book. After that twelve lucky names of schools from the total forty present there, were picked from a glass pot and announced. Unfortunately our schools name was not there. The children from these schools got an opportunity to ask their own questions from Mr. Bond.

The children asked him many questions, about his favourite story, his inspirations, his favourite uncle and aunt amongst those mentioned in his stories etc. Moving ahead we learnt interesting facts about the great writer; that he wanted to be a tap dancer, he loves to sleep, that his favourite food is mutton kofta and the most fascinating fact I heard was that he has written all his books in his own hand, without using neither a computer nor a typewriter!

Some one asked him if a biopic would be made on him and if it was made which Bollywood actor he would like to play him. Promptly he answered that Anupam Kher was his first choice!

Mr. Bond was also asked if it was difficult to find a publisher when he wrote his first book, to which he answered that an editor published his first book after editing it three times. He even confessed that his first book wasn't very successful and that the publisher lost a lot of money. When Mr. Bond was asked why his books are related to hills he answered that he has lived in hills and has always loved to be there,

When a German girl stood up and asked him why he has only captured India and not London, he answered that his grandparents were born and brought up here. No wonder then that he loves India.

We learnt that when his mother learnt he wanted to be a writer, she got angry

and told him to join the army!

It was an extremely memorable experience and I will always remember it.