This article was published by Rediff.com and ANI on March 20, 2025
Every morning, thirteen-year-old Burhanuddin Qamari awakens to the gentle chirping of sparrows outside his window, their melodic sound weaving a symphony of serenity in the bustling neighbourhood of Mumbai. This daily ritual not only fills him with joy but also fosters a profound connection to nature.
Like many Dawoodi Bohra students in India, Burhanuddin received a bird feeder through his school’s sustainability program, igniting his eagerness to care for the environment. After installing the feeder on his balcony, he noticed a remarkable change—sparrows began visiting regularly, transforming his mornings into moments of delight and deep satisfaction. The sight of these birds reminded him that even small actions can contribute to preserving fragile ecosystems.
Sparrows, once ubiquitous in urban and rural landscapes, have seen their population decline sharply due to habitat loss, urbanization, and environmental pollution. In response to this alarming trend, the Dawoodi Bohra community has relaunched its nationwide initiative, the ‘Save Our Sparrows (SOS)’ campaign, to raise awareness about the declining sparrow population and encourage efforts to protect their habitats. The campaign commenced in the first week of Ramadan and continued through March 20, which is observed as World Sparrow Day.
“Ramadan is a time of reflection, compassion and generosity. In this holy month, we come together as a community to extend our kindness not only to one another but also to the small creatures that share our world. Through this collective initiative, we aim to nourish our sparrows and safeguard their habitats, reminding ourselves that every act of care contributes to the harmony of our ecosystem,” said the Dawoodi Bohra spokesperson in Mumbai.
As part of this initiative, Dawoodi Bohra volunteers have distributed around 50,000 bird feeders to households, schools, parks, and community centers across different parts of the country. These feeders are essential food sources for sparrows, which have been vanishing due to urbanisation and environmental degradation.
Engaging schools in conservation efforts
Schools have played a pivotal role in spreading awareness about sparrow conservation. Activities such as sparrow-themed art competitions encouraged students and teachers alike to creatively engage with the issue. Additionally, DIY bird feeder sessions allowed children to design and build their own feeders during craft workshops, adding a personal touch to their conservation efforts while fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity.
"Sparrows are not just any birds; they are indicators of our ecosystem's health," says Taha Bawahir, a teacher at MSB Educational Institute in Godhra. "Their decline is a warning sign that we must act quickly to preserve biodiversity."
The enthusiasm surrounding the campaign is palpable. "We are thrilled to see people from all walks of life coming together for this noble cause," the teacher adds. "It's heartening to see children and adults alike taking an interest in biodiversity conservation."
Harnessing technology for conservation
The campaign has embraced technology to track the placement and usage of bird feeders while amplifying its impact. A dedicated digital platform set up by Burhani Foundation allows participants to document sparrow sightings, monitor feeder activity, and share updates on efforts to protect sparrow habitats. This data will help measure the campaign's progress and provide insights into areas where sparrow populations require additional support.
Community engagement and legacy
Led by Burhani Foundation, the Dawoodi Bohra community's environmental arm, the "Save Our Sparrows" campaign builds on a legacy of environmental stewardship. In 2011, Burhani Foundation set a world record by distributing a remarkable 52,000 bird feeders, marking a significant milestone in sparrow conservation.
The relaunch of this campaign, in collaboration with Project Rise—the community's global philanthropic arm—highlights the alarming decline of sparrows in urban landscapes and underscores the urgent need to protect their habitats. The Dawoodi Bohras' commitment to this cause reflects a broader understanding that preserving local wildlife is essential for maintaining ecological balance.
As young Burhanuddin watches sparrows flit about his balcony each morning, he embodies the hope that such small acts of kindness towards nature can lead to significant changes. The SOS campaign not only seeks to revive sparrow populations but also aims to inspire future generations to connect and protect their natural surroundings.
