All of us want to fly like a bird as it symbolizes freedom but does it really happen? Do they fly freely in half of the man-made world?
Many times you must have seen injured birds and animals and it moves your heart. But have you ever thought of doing something for them? Generally, we ignore what we don’t want to see but fortunately few people care these silent birds. One of my real inspiring heroes is Rohit Gangwal, founder of Raksha Foundation, Jaipur.
Photo Credits: Better India
Rohit met his first encounter with an injured bird in 2003 when he was on his scooter. He says: “I picked it up carefully and thinking how to save the bird but he died immediately. That day I had a sleepless night. That was my inspiration which later turned into ‘Raksha Foundation”.
He collected like-minded people and started his NGO with just a handful of people. Their team members used to go by bicycles and scooters to rescue birds. Due to the lack of medical knowledge of birds, they were unable to cure injured birds. However, if people are determinant, they do it as did by the team of Raksha Foundation. They learned how to operate birds.
“We connected with various people throughout India to teach how to operate birds. Next year, we rescued 64 birds within three days during the festival of Makar Sakranti which is celebrated with kite flying.”
Photo Credits: Better India
Their organisation was working for birds till Mr Gangwal saw a burning snake which was killed by people for whom it was venomous. That incident was the next mission of Raksha Foundation.
They started a Snake Helpline in Jaipur in 2008. His journey wasn’t smooth though it was for social welfare. “Journey was full of nightmares, good things, bad things, awards, non- recognition but nothing stopped us”, Rohit says.
Currently, they are feeding daily 5000 stray dogs, 2500 Cows, 700 urban monkeys, 1 lakh birds. They have adopted 58 Chugga Ghar ( Animal shelter) where they provide 8-10 sacks every day.
Credits: Facebook
Interview with Rohit Gangwal inspired me and I wonder how people could do great things while other people are busy in money-making or grumbling what they don’t have. Such people need huge recognition who believe in selfless love.
We congratulate you and your entire team for continuous efforts. Undoubtedly, you are a real hero who could change the world and inspire others.
Last year I adopted three parrots. Two budgies & a cockatiel. Previous owner just wanted to get rid of them as they make hell lot of noise sometimes. This post of yours made my love for birds even stronger! ♥️