Ruskin Bond, a renowned Indian author, is a name synonymous with evocative storytelling and an intimate connection to the Himalayan landscape. Born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, India, Bond’s literary journey has spanned decades and enchanted readers of all ages. His unique ability to capture the essence of everyday life, coupled with his vivid descriptions of nature, has made him a beloved figure in the world of literature.
His Famous Work and Awards
Ruskin Bond has authored a plethora of books, short stories, and essays that have resonated with readers across generations. Some of his most famous works include:
- “The Room on the Roof” (1956): This novel, which won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, is considered a classic of Indian literature. It tells the story of an orphaned Anglo-Indian boy named Rusty who embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
- “The Blue Umbrella” (1980): A novella that beautifully captures the simple yet profound desires of a young girl named Binya, who owns a blue umbrella that becomes a symbol of envy and desire in her village.
- “The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories” (1988): This collection of short stories showcases Bond’s ability to evoke emotions through his depiction of ordinary life and the Himalayan landscape.
- “A Flight of Pigeons” (2003): Set during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, this novella delves into the lives of a British family and their interactions with an Indian Muslim family.
- “The Book of Nature” (1996): An anthology of poems, essays, and excerpts that reflects Bond’s deep connection with the natural world and his observations of life around him.
Awards and Recognitions:
Ruskin Bond’s literary contributions have garnered numerous awards and accolades, acknowledging his significant impact on Indian literature. Some of his notable awards include:
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1992): Bond was honored with this prestigious Indian literary award for his book “Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra.”
- Padma Shri (1999): He received the fourth-highest civilian award in India for his exceptional contribution to literature and his deep influence on readers.
- Padma Bhushan (2014): Bond’s literary achievements were further acknowledged with the third-highest civilian award in the country, the Padma Bhushan.
- John Llewellyn Rhys Prize (1957): Bond won this British literary award for his debut novel “The Room on the Roof,” highlighting his international recognition.
- Sahitya Akademi Fellowship (2018): This prestigious fellowship was bestowed upon Bond by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s national academy of letters, in recognition of his exceptional literary contributions.
Warm Up
- How does the consistent growth of a plant from a small seed to a mature tree exemplify the value of persistence, and how can we apply this lesson to our own endeavors?
- The growth of a tree takes time and patience. How does this natural process teach us the importance of patience in our fast-paced lives, and how can we practice patience in our own personal growth?
- Trees provide shade, oxygen, and even fruit for various creatures. In what ways do trees exemplify the value of generosity, and how can we learn to give back to our communities like trees do for their ecosystem?
- Despite their grandeur, trees start as tiny seeds and undergo gradual growth. How can this journey from small seed to towering tree teach us about the value of humbleness and recognizing the significance of small beginnings?
- Trees play a vital role in ecosystems by providing shelter, nutrients, and support for other organisms. How does the tree’s role as a contributor and facilitator within its environment inspire us to contribute positively to our communities and help others thrive?
Some Quotations
- Love is like a tree, it grows of its own accord, it puts down deep roots into our whole being.” – Victor Hugo
- “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” – Martin Luther
- “The best friend on earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on the earth.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
- “The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the sun is shining, and the wind is gently blowing through the trees. It’s a perfect day to be alive.” – Unknown
- “Cherry blossoms are like the clouds in the sky, dancing in the wind and bringing beauty to the world.” – Unknown
- “The cherry tree is a symbol of the ephemeral nature of life, its delicate blossoms serving as a reminder that beauty is fleeting.” – Unknown
Explanation of the Poem
In this poem by Ruskin Bond, the narrator reflects on the passage of time and the resilience of nature. The poem begins with the narrator reminiscing about planting a cherry seed eight years ago, with the initial intention of having their own cherry tree. The seed was forgotten after being watered just once. Despite this neglect, cherries have a tendency to grow on their own, even without much attention.
In the summer, close to the end of May, the narrator discovers that a tree has sprouted from that forgotten seed. It’s described as a small tree, like a five-month-old child, hidden within the tall grass. Unfortunately, the young tree faces challenges – goats eat its leaves, a grass cutter damages it, and a monsoon inflicts further harm. However, despite these setbacks, the tree manages to survive.
The following spring, the narrator observes three new shoots growing from the tree, depicting its resilience and determination to thrive. The tree, despite all odds, struggles upward and reaches out with renewed strength.
The poem captures the themes of the passage of time, the ability of nature to flourish in adversity, and the idea that growth and progress often require facing challenges and setbacks. The tree’s journey from a forgotten seed to a resilient sapling serves as a metaphor for resilience and persistence in the face of difficulties.
In these lines, the narrator continues to narrate their journey with the cherry tree and its growth over the years:
“For light and air and sun.
I could only wait, as one
Who watched, wandering, while Time and the rain
Made a miracle from green growing pain…”
Here, the narrator expresses their helplessness and the anticipation they felt while waiting for the tree to grow. They compare themselves to a watcher, observing the passage of time and the nurturing influence of rain that gradually transforms the tree from a struggling sapling into a thriving entity.
“I went away next year-
Spent a season in Kashmir-
Came back thinner, rather poor,
But richer by a cherry tree at my door.”
The narrator mentions leaving for Kashmir and returning the following year. Despite their own challenges, they find themselves richer in the form of a cherry tree that now stands by their door, indicating the tree’s growth and progress in their absence.
“Six feet high my own dark cherry,
And I could scarcely believe it-a berry.
Ripened and jeweled in the sun,
Hung from a branch-just one!”
The narrator marvels at the growth of their cherry tree, which has reached a height of six feet. They are amazed to find a ripe cherry hanging from a branch, almost in disbelief that the tree has progressed so far.
“And next year there were blossoms small
Pink, fragile, quick to fall
At the merest breath, the sleepiest breeze…”
The following year, the tree blooms with small, delicate pink blossoms that are easily shed by even the slightest breeze, illustrating the fragility and ephemeral nature of these blossoms.
“I lay on the grass, at ease,
Looking up through leaves at the blue
Blind sky, at the finches as they flew
And flitted through the dappled green.”
The narrator describes a peaceful moment where they lie on the grass, gazing through the leaves at the sky and observing finches flying amidst the dappled greenery.
“While bees in an ecstasy drank
Of nectar from each bloom and the sun sank
Swiftly, and the stars turned in the sky,
And moon-moths and singing crickets and l Yes, I! — praised Night and Stars and tree:
That small cherry, grown by me.”
Central Idea Of the Poem
The scene becomes a vibrant depiction of nature’s inter-connectedness as bees joyfully extract nectar from the blossoms, the sun sets, stars emerge, moon-moths flutter, and crickets sing. The narrator rejoices in being part of this natural tapestry, offering praise for the night, the stars, and the tree they’ve nurtured. The poem concludes with a sense of accomplishment and wonder, celebrating the growth of the small cherry tree that has flourished under their care.
The central idea of this poem is the portrayal of the passage of time, the resilience of nature, and the transformative power of patience and care. Through the growth of a cherry tree from a forgotten seed to a thriving sapling, the poem illustrates the journey of nurturing and perseverance, highlighting how even in the face of neglect, challenges, and setbacks, nature has the ability to flourish and rejuvenate. The poem also conveys a deep connection between the narrator and the tree, showing how the tree’s growth becomes a symbol of their own growth and accomplishments. Ultimately, the poem emphasizes the beauty of natural processes, the significance of patience, and the harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
Critical Appreciation
The figures of speech labeled after the bold lines or phrases
“Eight years have passed
Since I placed my cherry seed in the grass. “Must have a tree of my own,” I said,
And watered it once and went to bed
And forgot; but cherries have a way of growing, Though no one’s caring very much or knowing. (Personification)
And suddenly that summer near the end of May, I found a tree had come to stay
It was very small, five months child. (Metaphor)
Lost in the tall grass running wild
Goats ate the leaves, the grass cutter scythe Split it apart and a monsoon blight”
Shriveled the slender stem….. Even so,
Next spring I watched three new shoots grow (Personification)
The young tree struggle, upward thrust
Its arms in a fresh fierce lust(Personification)
“While bees in an ecstasy drank
Of nectar from each bloom and the sun sank
Swiftly, and the stars turned in the sky
And moon-moths and singing crickets and l Yes, I! — praised Night and Stars and tree:
That small cherry, grown by me.”