Negotiating Identity": A Journey of Being Indian to Becoming an Indian. (Ruskin Bond)

Abstract

This paper explores the themes of identity, belonging, and cultural assimilation in the works of Ruskin Bond, with a particular focus on the concepts of “being Indian” and “becoming Indian.” As an Anglo-Indian author who has spent most of his life in India, Bond offers a unique perspective on the fluidity of identity within the context of postcolonial India. This study examines how Bond's personal experiences and literary characters navigate the complexities of cultural identity, and how these narratives contribute to a broader understanding of what it means to be Indian