The sight is beautiful. Scores of birds of different species - pigeons, sparrows, parrots, crows and other birds - fly down to the 7,000 sq. ft. spacious terrace of Sahakari Bhavan near Ram Mandir, Rajajinagar every morning to feed on the scattered grain. The Shree Shankeshwar Parshwanath Jain Kabootar Daana Seva Samithi has been feeding these birds for the past four years.

Fifty wide-mouthed containers of water quench dry avian throats. After feeding undisturbed for as long as they want to, these feathered creatures fly to nearby trees and rest awhile. Then, they fly back towards Cubbon Park from where they flew down earlier in the day. Year by year, the number of birds flying down to feed on the grains has been increasing. The 23 member committee spends Rs 60,000 monthly on feeding the birds, says the Committee Secretary, Pannalal Kataria and Treasurer, Pukhraj Ranka Sethia. The committee receives charities from philanthropists for their bird feeding activity.

According to Mr Pukhraj Ranka Sethia not less than 300 kilograms of mixed grains (wheat, jowar, maize, bajra) of good quality are scattered on the terrace every morning at 9.30 am for the birds. The birds peck at leisure on the grains till about 12.30 pm. "In India, as far as our knowledge goes, ours is the only registered committee involved in feeding birds. To ensure the quality of grains, we buy grains directly from farmers. The donations given to the Samithi are exempted from Income Tax under the Section 80-G of Income Tax Act, till the end of March 2003," says Mr Vasantraj Jain who assists Mr Sethia. Bird feeding is rather common in North Indian states, but less so in the south, he adds.

Since the number of birds flying down here daily is on the rise continuously, the committee, with meagre funds, is unable to feed the birds bellyful. Two years back, the committee was spilling 150 kilograms of grain daily for the birds but now even 300 kilograms of grain is inadequate, says Mr Sethi.

People who are interested in participating in the activities of the bird feeders can contact the committee.

Address: # 332, 58th Cross, (Near Jain Temple), Third Block,
Rajajinagar, Bangalore - 560 010.

Phone: 335 2306/2084

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