Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter SAVE OUR SPARROWS

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

SAVE OUR SPARROWS 

BFI & NFS INITIATES THE BIGGEST CONSERVATION PROJECT, WILL DISTRIBUTE 52000 BIRD FEEDERS FREE 

 Birds are gift of nature and form an integral part of urban life. Man, in his race for livelihood has been neglecting or rather damaging the nature which is provided for his own benefits. Consequently, many species of birds and wild life which were common to us few years back are on the verge of extinction. 

 The humble house sparrow for instance, which was once omnipresent feature of urban environment, has seen a drastic decline over the past few years, mainly due to lack of food and habitat. It would be a great tragedy to loose such a wonderful part of nature all because of our negligence. Researchers feel that the decline of this humble bird may actually point to a larger threat – that is, the degrading urban environment worldwide. 

 In order to safeguard and protect these small cuties, a wonderful and biggest conservation initiative project called “Save Our Sparrows” is initiated by Burhani Foundation (India) in collaboration with Nature Forever Society. 

 March 6 is the birthday of His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) as per the Gregorian calendar and as per the Hijri Calendar His Holiness will enter the 100th year of his life on 20th Rabiul Aakher 1433H which falls on 25th March this year. 

 On the historical occasion of 100th Milaad Mubarak and birthday celebration of His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin on March 6, in the run up to the World Sparrow Day on March 20, the Foundation in collaboration with Nature Forever Society, will distribute a record 52,000 bird feeders around the world, to boost the dwindling house sparrow population. In Mumbai, Shri Murli Deora will be the Chief Guest of this unique programme which will be attended by numerous esteemed Dignitaries, Consulates, NGO’s and prominent personalities. The representatives from Guinness Book of World Records will also be present to witness this event. 

 This single biggest nature conservation effort would be held during the celebrations spanning over three weeks, NFS Chief and well known sparrow man Mohammed Dilawar said. The entire cost of this unique project, titled ‘Save Our Sparrows’, will be borne by the Burhani Foundation (India), he added. 

 The population of house sparrow and other urban wildlife is in serious decline due to the habitat loss, scarcity of food and lack of nesting sites. Through this project, Burhani Foundation (India) attempts to provide house sparrows and other urban birds a year round source of food. 

 SOS is part of a series of activities supported by Nature Forever Society, in the run up to the second World House Sparrow Day celebration on March 20. The bird feeders will be distributed free-of-cost to interested citizens, institutes, forest departments, social groups, societies and conservation organizations in India and world wide. It could be installed in homes, open yards, balconies and even office premises and will work as an easy and functional conservation tool for the common people to save these lovely tiny birds. 

 BURHANI FOUNDATION (INDIA) 

 Burhani Foundation (India) was formed by His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) for the purpose of environment preservation. It has been silently advocating environmental awareness and research around the world, for the last 20 years. It has also been involved in many other significant projects like vermiculture and organic farming over the past years. 

 In order to make SOS a success, Burhani Foundation is calling on all the people from different walks of life, educational institutes and nature conservation organisations to come forward and involve themselves in the worldwide project to save the House Sparrows. Through this project, Burhani Foundation (India) also hopes to create awareness towards the well being of other beautiful creations of almighty, thus offering a tribute to His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) whose mission is harmony and compassion.