Bioregional Identity and Ecological Intimacy in Ruskin Bond’s Short Stories Sita and the River and The Cherry Tree

Abstract

This paper explores bioregional ethics in Ruskin Bond’s short stories Sita and the River and The Cherry Tree. It examines how Bond’s portrayal of nature reflects a deep moral connection between humans and their local environment. Through the characters’ sensitivity to place, especially the innocence of children, Bond emphasizes harmony, care, and ecological belonging. The study highlights how both stories illustrate the principles of bioregionalism—living ethically within one’s natural surroundings, respecting local ecosystems, and recognizing human dependence on nature. By presenting nature as a moral teacher and companion, Bond promotes an environmental consciousness grounded in empathy and stewardship. His narratives remind readers that ethical living begins with understanding and preserving the ecological balance of one’s immediate landscape.