Arranging water pots to address the water woes of the birds and also feeding them might seem like an absurd waste of time, money and energy for youths of the present generation.
· Subhranshu Satpathy is an exception.
· Subhranshu, an alumnus of Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a volunteer of the UN Environment Programme, distributes seedballs and nesting boxes among the kids to safeguard the environment.
· He does simple, doable and affordable things like putting nesting boxes and water/grain bowls on balconies.
· Known as Birdman of Odisha, Subhranshu feels that young children should understand why it’s important to feed a hungry creature.
· Subhanshu, however, urged everyone to join hands to save birds from getting extinction.
· Subhransu is a documentary filmmaker. His movie titled ‘They Really Need Us’ was screened at the Dadasaheb Film Festival.
In a world where the cries of nature often fall on deaf ears, one individual stands out as a beacon of hope for our feathered friends. Meet Subhranshu Satpathy, a passionate environmentalist whose mission transcends the ordinary. While many may scoff at the idea of tending to the needs of birds, Subhranshu’s dedication has earned him recognition as a UN Environment Time Hero, and rightfully so.
Subhranshu’s journey began in 2008, driven by a simple yet profound desire to alleviate the water woes of birds. Through his tireless efforts, he has distributed over 40,000 earthen pots, providing a lifeline for thirsty avians amidst scorching summers. But his commitment doesn’t end there. He also educates the younger generation on the importance of environmental stewardship, distributing seedballs and nesting boxes to safeguard our ecosystems.
Hailing from Dhenkanal, Subhranshu’s impact reverberates far beyond his hometown. Over the past 13 years, he has conducted workshops in schools, clubs, and community centers, empowering countless individuals to take action for the planet. Through simple yet effective measures like placing water and grain bowls on balconies, he inspires others to embrace sustainability in their daily lives.
In a candid conversation, Subhranshu reflects on the inspiration behind his noble cause. Raised in a family with a deep reverence for nature, his childhood experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to environmental conservation. From his mother’s simple act of placing water and grains for birds to his father’s poignant words about the power of a single seed, every moment has shaped his ethos.
As the Birdman of Odisha, Subhranshu understands the critical role birds play in maintaining ecological balance. With urbanization and climate change posing existential threats to avian populations, his advocacy takes on added significance. By providing eco-friendly nesting options and advocating for tree preservation, he strives to create a more hospitable environment for our winged companions.
But Subhranshu’s impact extends beyond local communities. As a documentary filmmaker, his work sheds light on the plight of wildlife, earning accolades at prestigious film festivals around the world. Through films like “They Really Need Us,” he amplifies the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves, driving home the urgency of conservation efforts.
Yet, Subhranshu’s message is clear: he cannot do it alone. Urging children to join him in his noble mission, he emphasizes the power of collective action in safeguarding our natural heritage. By instilling a sense of responsibility and empathy in the younger generation, he plants the seeds of change that will blossom into a brighter future for all.
In a world besieged by environmental challenges, Subhranshu Satpathy stands as a testament to the transformative power of individual action. Through his unwavering dedication, he reminds us that each of us has the capacity to make a difference, one small act of kindness at a time. As we look to the future, let us heed his call to protect and preserve the precious biodiversity that sustains us all.
(With inputs from agencies)
