Author Ruskin Bond turned 90 on Sunday, and he certainly has plenty of stories to share. In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Bond discussed various aspects of his life and recounted his visit to the renowned Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
Born in 1934 to British parents in Kasauli, Ruskin Bond mentioned that he was charged extra at the Konark Sun Temple because he “looked like a foreigner.”
“They charge extra from foreigners for entering Konark (Sun Temple in Odisha). I said, ‘I am not a foreigner, I am an Indian.’ But then to avoid an argument, I paid extra,” Bond told PTI.
He also shared what happened next. “Behind me came a Sardar ji. He had a British passport but they let him in. He wasn’t charged extra because he didn’t look like a foreigner.”
Watch Here:
VIDEO | Here’s what author Ruskin Bond, who turned 90 on Sunday, said on people perceiving him to be a foreigner.
“They charge extra from foreigners for entering Konark (Sun Temple in Odisha). I said, ‘I am not a foreigner, I am an Indian’, but then to avoid an argument I paid… pic.twitter.com/o0rGqexGAL
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 19, 2024
This story is just one among many from the cherished author, who has written over 500 short stories, essays, and novels. He has also authored 69 books for children and received several accolades such as the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan.
Social Media Reactions
One user commented, “This whole concept of charging foreigners extra is ridiculous… Only twisted brains come up with such discriminatory policy.”
Another user added, “Wonder what year this was? As by showing the Aadhaar card one gets the normal price.”
A third user mentioned, “My daughter got very angry after reading this. She said ‘how dare they not to recognise THE Ruskin Bond! The famous author.’”
A fourth user wished, “Many happy returns of the day to India’s Mr. Bond! Many happy memories of reading this fine author’s books, including the Lone Fox Dancing!”
