Biophilic codependency: an essential discussion in the Writings of manoj das and ruskin bond

Abstract

Environment is an inseparable part of our lives and society. To keep our eco-system moving in a balanced way, co-dependency is mostly needed. The co-dependency between humans, non-humans, living as well as non-living creatures. Just like two sides of a same coin, they all complete each other. Be it science, technology, logic, literature, scripture or mythology, every field suggests this concept. Unfortunately, modern human actions have gone astray and too much materialistic view has almost attacked that biophilic co-dependency. In present time, ecology is at stake and many critics, writers, social activists, learned men as well as common people, across the globe, are coming in support of our environment. In this regard, two leading Indian authors Manoj Das and Ruskin Bond have always been in the fore-front. The present paper aims to explore their concern towards ecology and their way of projecting biophilic co-dependency in Indian environment. Being chiefly children story writers, they avail the chance to educate young minds about various crucial issues. In many of their writings, the beauty and generosity of nature is projected, while in other works the exploitation of humans over nature and its inhabitants and in some others, the bond between human and nature. The present study covers Das’s stories like “The Submerged Valley”, “Son and Father” from the collection The Bridge in the Moonlit Night and Other Stories likewise, Bond’s stories “My Father’s Trees Still Grow in Dehra”, “Guests Who Come in from the Forest” and “Good Shot, Mehmoud!” from the story collection The Jungle Omnibus. These stories highlight the ecological bond between humans and the flora and fauna not only on the surface level, but deep down also they force the readers to have a critical view on the matter.