By Bhalakatha
Manjit Singh, a former drawing teacher, embarked on a remarkable journey that began with a trip to an army camp with 50 children from a non-profit organization in Chandigarh. Little did he know that this outing would lead to a life-changing mission.
During an evening stroll for dinner at the camp, Manjit noticed something peculiar among the waste gathered by the sweeper—a lifeless pigeon. Curiosity and concern compelled him to inquire further. The sweeper informed him that the bird had died due to electrocution, and there was another similar incident nearby. This encounter left a profound impact on Manjit.
For the next four days at the camp, the incident weighed heavily on his mind, prompting him to contemplate a solution that could benefit both birds and humans. This contemplation gave rise to a unique idea—to convert his bicycle into a “bird ambulance” to care for sick and injured birds.
Upon returning to Chandigarh, this environmental activist embarked on a mission to provide a dignified burial to deceased birds and offer treatment to the injured ones. He recognized that dead birds were often disposed of in large bins, in deplorable conditions. Moreover, the decaying bodies posed health risks to both humans and the environment.
Driven by his deep-seated compassion, Manjit transformed his bicycle into a mobile bird rescue unit. With this humble setup, he has provided care to an astounding 1,160 birds to date. He also ensures that deceased birds receive a proper burial, tallying up to 1,280 avians, including pigeons, crows, parrots, and turtle doves, in Chandigarh.
Manjit’s journey is all the more remarkable considering his unconventional path. A dropout from a BA program, he initially worked as a drawing teacher at a private school. It was through this school that he came into contact with a local NGO that ignited his passion for social work. In 1990, at the age of 21, he took a significant step to combat rising air pollution by transitioning to cycling.
In 1999, after his marriage, Manjit made a life-altering decision. He quit his job as a school teacher to dedicate himself entirely to environmental causes. Although he supplemented his income by working as a painter, his in-laws were apprehensive. Despite receiving a lucrative job offer as a bank clerk, Manjit turned it down, unwilling to compromise his mission for corporate employment.
His dedication often led to disagreements with his wife, who worried about his health due to constant exposure to potential avian diseases. However, witnessing Manjit’s unwavering commitment and the positive impact of his work on society eventually won her over.
Until 2011, Manjit continued his tireless efforts to raise awareness about air pollution. However, a visit to the Ferozepur army camp rekindled his passion for avian welfare.
Upon returning to Chandigarh, he printed pamphlets urging citizens to contact him if they came across injured or deceased birds. By this time, he had converted his bicycle into a bird ambulance. Soon, people started reaching out to him, reporting injured or deceased birds in their neighborhoods. The satisfaction of rescuing and rehabilitating an injured pigeon for the first time reaffirmed his commitment to this noble cause.
Manjit’s dedication did not go unnoticed. In 2015, he earned a place in the Limca Book of Records for saving thousands of birds in Chandigarh. The same year, the Chandigarh government honored him on Republic Day.
In 2016, Manjit accepted a job as an animal attendant with the animal husbandry department of Chandigarh. This job allowed him to serve his cause while earning a modest income.
His daily routine is unwavering, regardless of office hours. Between 3-11 pm, Manjit sets out on rescue missions. Local residents contact him to report injured or deceased birds, often victims of sharp kite strings, shop fans, or collisions with high-tension wires, especially during the scorching summer months.
Armed with essential tools and medicines, including a small spade, Negasunt powder for wound dressing, Bird Plus syrup, and scissors for freeing birds from tangled wires, Manjit races against time to rescue these vulnerable creatures.
For deceased birds, he digs a 1.5 ft hole and provides them a respectful burial in open grounds within the city. In cases of severe injuries, he rushes the birds to a hospital for treatment. Minor injuries are treated at his home, where he nourishes and cares for them until they regain their strength, typically within 2-5 days.
In 2012, a bank contributed to his cause by donating a battery-operated bike, which aided Manjit in responding to rescue calls swiftly. However, he declined a scooter offer, as he didn’t want to compromise his mission to reduce air pollution.
Manjit recalls particularly busy days, such as when a storm ravaged the city, toppling trees that served as homes to numerous parrots. He received an early morning call to collect 250 deceased parrots and 80 pigeons, all in a single day. His bicycle baskets overflowed with these unfortunate casualties.
Recently, he nursed five parrots back to health, tending to their damaged feet for two months until they could fly again. At present, he has two pigeons and one turtle dove at his home, testament to his unwavering commitment to their welfare.
Manjit allocates 20 percent of his salary to support his bird rescue efforts. While many offer payment for his services, he requests compensation in the form of bird feed, such as pearl millet (bajra), for the injured birds. He firmly believes that transforming his mission into a business would diminish its essence.
Despite the challenges and initial objections from his family due to the unseemly task of handling deceased birds, Manjit remains resolute. He holds a firm belief that life dedicated to serving others is the true essence of living. In his eyes, these birds are like his children, and he is determined to save their lives with his small yet impactful efforts. As he cycles away to save yet another innocent life, Manjit Singh exemplifies the power of compassion and selfless service to all living beings.
