A letter to Ruskin.

Dear Mr.Ruskin Bond,
I like your work very much. I am writing this letter to let you know how your writing has influenced my life. I thought you should know. The first book I read was 'The India I Love'. I happened to read a poem in that book, it was about a school boy with a shiny coin in his hands. The poem touched me. I decided to read more of your stories and poems. I like what you write because it is so honest and direct. I like the way you talk about animals and trees, the way you talk about the mountains and about road side shops. I like the bazaars in your stories, I like the Rusty that you created. I began wondering what it was that made your writing so beautiful, even when you were not telling a story, like in your diary: 'Landour Days'. In order to find out I decided to write something myself. I started writing. I kept it simple and true, I write about everyday things, sparrows, butterflies, beggars, my breakfast, even the cockroach in my bathroom. I don't write stories as I don't have the time to think of nice ones. But I write poetry and it makes me very happy. I share it with my friends, sometimes they like what I say, the other times they don't understand or don't like it. I started writing about sweets and birds and kids on the railway platforms. I wrote only what I saw, and tried to stick to the description alone. This produced good results. My writing gave me joy and sometimes my friends liked it a lot. Since then I have been writing, I don't think I will ever write for a living, but I might publish a book. Your books have inspired me to look at things around me with fresh eyes. I notice that your books never judge or label. I keep it that way when I look at things or when I talk to people, it is so much more beautiful.

I thank you for all the stories and poems.

Yours,

Sagar Kolte

The author wishes to thank Megha for inspiring this post.