Salim Ali: The Journey of Indias Birdman Sparked by a Sparrows Death
Celebrating Dr. Salim Ali, Indias Birdman, on National Bird Day, whose passion for ornithology transformed wildlife conservation.
New Delhi, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Every year on November 12, India honors Dr. Salim Ali, known as the ‘Birdman of India,’ on his birthday, which is celebrated as National Bird Day. Born in 1896, Salim Ali revolutionized ornithology in India and offered a fresh perspective on humanity’s relationship with nature.
His life took a pivotal turn during childhood. He once owned an air gun and accidentally shot a sparrow while playing. When he picked up the deceased bird, he noticed a peculiar yellow mark on its throat. This ‘yellow-throated sparrow’ sparked so many questions in his mind that he took it to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) with his uncle, Amiruddin Tyabji.
At BNHS, honorary secretary W.S. Millard not only satisfied his curiosity but also introduced him to an impressive collection of birds. This moment marked the beginning of a journey that would lead an ordinary boy to become India’s greatest ornithologist. His acclaimed autobiography, “The Fall of a Sparrow,” is based on this experience.
Dr. Salim Ali was the first to conduct systematic surveys of birds in India. At a time when birdwatching was merely a hobby or a form of hunting, he transformed it into a serious scientific endeavor. Despite lacking a formal university degree, his passion surpassed any academic credentials. After training in Germany, he returned to India, equipped with his binoculars and notebook, to explore forests, mountains, and deserts.
His 1941 book, “The Book of Indian Birds,” connected the general public to the avian world. This book remains a crucial resource for wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts. Additionally, his ten-volume “Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan,” co-authored with American scientist S. Dillon Ripley, is considered a masterpiece in ornithology.
Salim Ali’s vision extended beyond bird research; he was also a fierce advocate for environmental conservation. His correspondence with then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is well-known. He played a crucial role in saving Kerala’s lush Silent Valley National Park from a hydroelectric project and was instrumental in establishing the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Today, Bharatpur serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds, a testament to Salim Ali’s foresight.
For his remarkable contributions to science and the environment, the Indian government honored him with the Padma Bhushan in 1958 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1976. The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in Coimbatore was established in his name, continuing to advance his vision. Dr. Salim Ali passed away on June 20, 1987, in Mumbai.
