Thomas Hardy’s classic novel – Far from the madding crowd resonates so well with the crowdy life of city. This title is one of my favorites which I have used in many of my articles. In the bustling crowd of people and vehicle where every moment is uncertain, finding serenity is near to impossible. Despite the hustle, I find solace in words of Ruskin Bond’s books where I bond with serenity. Chasing the 9.30 morning train is painstakingly exhaustive for a job going people. From reaching office to meeting the daily targets, the common man literally dies everyday with exhaustion. Returning home from office is equally draining. People are so busy staring at their screens of their smartphones that they have hardly anytime to gaze at the beauty of life. Whenever I pass through the stations, I take a timeout to notice the huts, room on the roofs, ponds and the people who have got accustomed to hardships of life. I feel like leaving the chaotic life of corporate and take solace in the womb of mountains of Uttarakhand. Living in the lap of mother nature has its own charm. That’s the reason why eminent authors like Ruskin Bond, Tagore and R.K.Narayan preferred simplicity over modern life. The love for India’s mountains, hills, rivers and simple life brought writer Ruskin Bond back from London to his hometown Dehra.
During his London days, Bond penned a coming-of-age memoir based on his youthful days in India. ‘The room on the roof’, the debut novel of Ruskin Bond struck such a bond that it is even read today by kids and adults alike. Whenever I see a room on the roof in Mumbai, I feel like renting it and enjoy the life’s beauty through the window. Window opens infinite possibilities and grants one enough creativity to pour out his emotions from his heart. When you have a window in your home, you never fall short of ideas. There is lot to explore through the window. Even Rusty, the alter-ego of Ruskin Bond finds purpose in life when he gazes out of the window to enjoy the beauty of nature. Life’s real joy lies in unhurriedness. Ironically we all are hurrying somewhere to chase something : train, bus, cab, job, soulmate, money and even our goals. The dreams that we cherished during school and college days change when we come face to face with world’s harsh realities. All we find is loneliness in the midst of crowd.
Life in mountainous areas is more soothing than the luxurious city life. City may give you a settled life, but will deprive you of peace of mind.
If I ever retire from my corporate life, I will seek solace in mountains, streams and the valleys that were favorites of Wordsworth, Tagore & Ruskin Bond.