IndiaCSR News Network
BHOPAL: There was a time when we used to hear the melodious chirping of sparrows in our balconies and terraces. They used to visit us regularly. This is one childhood memory that most of us cherish till today. But this shall not be so in the times to come.
According to Great Backyard Bird Count 2015, India reported the second highest number of bird species 735 (After Ecuador: 784 species). Out of this, a large number of species of birds in India are declining at an alarming rate. Sparrows are amongst these bird species that we have been seeing since childhood but, their numbers are also declining.
‘Save Birds‘ an initiative being undertaken by Dainik Bhaskar Group, every year, aims at creating awareness in the society to help and save birds during summer season. It motivates people to place birdbaths (sakoras) at their homes and terraces so that birds can have ‘Daana- Paani’ (food grains and water).
The initiative, this year, started in the beginning of May and will continue till June end. The Campaign was flagged off with World Sparrow Day celebrations on 20th March in Mahim Nature Park, Mumbai. Recognizing our efforts in this campaign, Department of Post released a Special Cover with special cancellation.
Targeted at people from all walks of life and in different geographies, the initiative is being executed in 34 Indian cities spanning 10 states. Under the aegis of this campaign, Dainik Bhaskar will be distributing 1 million bird baths (Sakoras) apart from driving awareness sessions in and around 500 schools, 700 residential colonies and 100 odd parks.
Art and craft workshops in schools were hugely successful in motivating children to make bird feeders based on ‘Best out of waste concept’. A special booklet has also been created on importance of bird conservation and ways to save birds.
Speaking about the initiative, Vinay Maheshwari, Senior Vice President-Sales and Market Development & Brand Marketing of Dainik Bhaskar Group, said that “we, at Dainik Bhaskar Group believe that, Media, being an important and resourceful part of the society, has an important role to play in addressing our nation’s social and environmental problems thereby helping the government achieve inclusive growth and enrichment of natural capital.
Given the magnitude of our reach, we have undertaken an integrated approach of both making people aware about saving birds and engaging them with on ground activations in form of organizing school level art and craft workshops, awareness sessions and meetings at religious places, housing societies and colonies”
Vikas Singh, Associate Vice President, Brand Marketing of Dainik Bhaskar Group said that “Being cognizant of the fact that barometer of any social campaign’s success is not only dependent upon mere awareness building but also on ground implementation backed by measurable outcomes.
Dainik Bhaskar Group, apart from driving it extensively on print and social media medium, has also partnered with credible NGOs such as WWF India and Nature Forever Society to utilize their volunteer base and technical expertise in the areas of Bird Conservation. The inclusive nature of such kind of partnerships has helped in promoting a sense of ownership and enhancing the overall sustainability of the campaign”
To promote the cause and to engage more and more people, Dainik Bhaskar is also running a contest where it has urged people to join hands in their initiative of Saving Birds. The contestants need to install bird feeders / bird baths at their house and then click pictures of birds visiting them having food grains and water. A total of 10 best pictures from each city will be rewarded.
People can upload their efforts in form of pictures on :
http://www.facebook.com/db.savebirds
or send it at savebirds@dbcorp.in or can send their pics through Whatsapp at 8109200900.
