The Grand Ceremony held at Hotel Babylon in Raipur, the award celebrates individuals dedicated to sustainable efforts, and Rakesh Khatri was an evident choice.
RAIPUR (India CSR): In a magnificent event held at Hotel Babylon in Raipur, the founder of Eco Roots Foundation, Rakesh Khatri, renowned as the “Nest Man of India,” was felicitated with the India CSR Green Leadership Award. The accolade was presented by India CSR, the largest CSR media globally. The award was bestowed upon Rakesh Khatri by Pradeep Gandhi, Former Member of Parliament, Vivek Agrawal – COO of Godawari Power and Ispat Ltd (GPIL), and Rusen Kumar, Founder and Managing Editor of India CSR.
A Conservationist’s Recognition
In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, Rakesh Khatri stands out as a beacon of hope, preserving and celebrating the ecosystem, particularly focusing on the House Sparrow.
Khatri’s journey into conservation began when he discovered that the population of the house sparrow was on the brink of extinction in Delhi and its neighboring areas. Disturbing reports highlighted that by 2022, these sparrows could have vanished from Delhi-NCR if the alarming rate of decline persisted. This realization compelled Khatri, who was then focused on Environmental Education for children, to take affirmative action.
Rakesh Khatri: A Man with a Mission
Rakesh Khatri, with a background in environmental education, couldn’t stand idly by, prompting him to delve into research.
After primary research, Khatri discerned that the primary threat to sparrows was the modern construction style, which left them with no nesting spaces. To counteract this, he embarked on a mission named “Project Nest Making.” His initiative aimed to create artificial nesting spaces to compensate for the loss of natural habitats. After various trial and error attempts, he crafted a nest using bamboo sticks, ropes, cotton cloth, and jute, which proved to be a successful design.
Challenges in Modern Construction
The contemporary architectural landscape posed threats to these birds, mainly due to the absence of nesting spaces. The Birth of Project Nest Making: After multiple experiments, Khatri developed a successful nest design using sustainable materials, marking the commencement of a nationwide conservation effort.
Project Nest Making saw its inception in February 2009 at Mayur Vihar Phase 3, and by Sparrow Day on 20 March 2023, the project boasted an impressive installation of over 6 lakh nests. This movement was not confined to individual efforts; it garnered support from schools, colleges, and corporate entities.
Expanding the Horizon
The Power of Collaboration: With over 6 lakh nests by Sparrow Day 2023, the project had vast reach, largely attributed to partnerships with educational and corporate institutions. The results were astounding. By 2019, sparrow numbers in Delhi and surrounding regions surged to over 64,000, a testimony to Mr. Khatri’s relentless efforts. These initiatives not only aided sparrows but also cultivated awareness about the importance of coexistence and sustainable living.
Measurable Impact
A Surge in Sparrow Population: By 2019, a significant increase in the sparrow count was observed in Delhi and its surroundings, underscoring the project’s success.
More Than Just Numbers: Beyond the physical count, the initiative fostered a broader understanding of coexistence and sustainable living principles.
From Alarm to Action
The Sparrow’s Plight: Reports from 2008 signaled a worrisome decline in the sparrow population, potentially leading to their extinction in the Delhi-NCR region by 2022.
Awards and Recognitions
Rakesh Khatri’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. His trophy cabinet includes prestigious accolades, cementing his status as a green champion. Khatri’s exemplary contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with multiple awards and recognitions, including:
- National Science Award, 2020
- Green Apple Award, 2013
- Limca Book of World Record, 2012
- Limca Book of World Record, 2019
- Shining World Compassion Award, 2020
- Earth Day Network Star, 2017
His work serves as a reminder that individual commitment can indeed bring about significant ecological change.
The Power of One
Rakesh Khatri’s journey reiterates that individual passion, coupled with community engagement, can yield transformative ecological results.
The India CSR Green Leadership Award
The India CSR Green Leadership Award recognizes and celebrates individuals and organizations that demonstrate exemplary commitment to environmental sustainability. Presented by India CSR, the largest CSR media globally, this award honors those leading the way in green initiatives and conservation efforts.
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