Did you know that George Orwell shares a strong link with India? He was born as Eric Arthur Blair in an opium warehouse in Motihari, Bihar, in the year 1903. His father, Richard W Blair, worked for the opium department during the rule of the British in India. Eric moved to England with his mother Ida a year after he was born.
Several authors’ places of birth have been turned into museums today. What does such a museum tell readers about an author’s life? Can an author’s birthplace find its way into his or her writing? Form groups with your friends and find out more about the site where George Orwell was born. The town of Motihari is famous for its association with the Indian freedom struggle as well. Design a poster inviting tourists to visit the region.
