Tuhina Sahoo
To many, setting out earthen pots filled with water for birds and feeding them might seem an outdated or trivial effort. But for Subhranshu Satpathy, it’s a passion that has driven him since 2008. At just 34, this devoted environmentalist makes it his mission to quench the thirst and hunger of local birds by placing earthen water pots and feeding them regularly.
An alumnus of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and a UN Environment Programme volunteer, Subhranshu has extended his efforts beyond bird welfare. He distributes seedballs and nesting boxes to children, educating them on environmental conservation and the importance of trees. His workshops at schools and community centers have reached thousands, resulting in over 40,000 water pots and more than 100,000 seedballs distributed.
Known as the “Birdman of Odisha,” Subhranshu believes that teaching young people to care for birds instills a broader sense of responsibility towards all living creatures. In the face of Odisha’s severe heatwaves, he advocates for daily bird feeding and watering to help species like sparrows and crows survive. He emphasizes the critical role birds play in seed dispersal, which helps in reforestation efforts.
Subhranshu’s dedication is rooted in his childhood, inspired by his father, a Divisional Forest Officer. His early experiences with nature and his mother’s simple acts of caring for birds deeply influenced his environmental commitment. A memorable lesson from his father about the potential of discarded fruit seeds further solidified his resolve to contribute to environmental conservation.
He encourages everyone, especially children, to participate in his mission, stressing that earthen pots are essential for birds to drink and survive.
Subhranshu’s simple yet impactful actions are a reminder that even small, sustainable efforts can make a significant difference in protecting our environment and its inhabitants.
