Mr. Rakesh Khatri has built over 2.5 lakh homes for birds and trained over 10 lakh students.
The resident of Delhi, spent his childhood in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk where sparrows could easily find enough space for themselves because of the old architectural designs.
“While I was growing
up, sparrows would make their nests on switchboards, window panes, balcony, and
we were always asked by elders not to switch on ceiling fans because of fear of
getting them hurt”, says Rakesh Khatri
After moving to Mayur Vihar, a developing part of Delhi, he
discovered that his childhood winged friends were disappearing because the new
architectural designs left no room for them. Besides, people have also become intolerant
towards the supposed ‘nuisance’ birds create.
In 2008, Seeing the declining number of sparrows, Rakesh
Khatri decided to quit his profession of photography & Short filmmaking and
started building nests for birds.
His attempt with coconut husk and crumpled newspaper brought
no fruitful result, he then started making
these nests with bamboo sticks and placed them in various parts of his colony.
To everyone’s surprise, there were four sparrows in each
nest he placed within a few days.
Thrilled and delighted, Rakesh continued the process of nest
making and to date, he has built 2.5 lakhs nests all over the country. He has
also trained more than 10 lakh students to create such nests.
“sparrows are my
childhood friend, how can I leave them to die”, says Mr. Khatri.
He has been awarded several times for his ambitious environmental mission and dedication towards saving sparrows. He made into the Limca Books of records twice for the highest number of workshops conducted and the largest theatre events on climate change.
He’s also known as ‘The Sparrow Man’ and ‘The Nest Man
of India’.
While these nests are home to birds, they also enhance the beauty of nature and surroundings. Do your bit to save these birds.
