In the 116th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s declining sparrow population and commended innovative efforts to restore these tiny birds to urban environments. Reflecting on his childhood, Modi noted sparrows were once a common sight on rooftops but are now scarce due to rapid urbanization.
The Prime Minister expressed concern that many children today know sparrows only through images and videos. He lauded organisations working to reconnect children with nature, spotlighting Mysuru’s ‘Early Bird’ for its impactful conservation initiatives.
“‘Early Bird’ has set up a unique library to teach children about birds and biodiversity,” Modi shared. The organization has also created a Nature Education Kit, featuring storybooks, games, activity sheets, and puzzles, aimed at fostering environmental responsibility among the young.
Beyond classroom efforts, ‘Early Bird’ takes children from cities to rural areas, enabling them to observe and identify different bird species. “Such efforts are nurturing a deeper bond between children and nature,” Modi noted.
Encouraging citizens to undertake similar initiatives in their communities, the Prime Minister said, “With collective action, sparrows will return, enhancing biodiversity and inspiring a love for nature in future generations.”
The heartfelt acknowledgment underscores the vital role of grassroots campaigns in conservation and education.
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