Bhubaneswar: For the last three decades, he has been feeding stray dogs and birds without fail in Temple City Bhubaneswar. Despite not being in a high-salaried job, this 50-year-old man makes sure to feed birds and stray animals because he feels animals play a significant role in the stability of the environment, ecosystem, and our lives.
In a candid conversation with Ommcom News, Salepur-born Pratap Kumar Sahu, who has been selflessly feeding birds and animals for the last 30 years, talks about his mission behind doing this noble service for so many years.
“A balanced ecosystem is indispensable to the survival of our planet. From big animals like elephants to tiny ones like bees, every creature has a role that helps plants grow, keeps the air and water clean, and makes sure there’s enough food for everyone. Some animals help plants make seeds, while others eat harmful pests. There are even animals that change the landscape, making homes for other creatures. Simply put, without these animals doing their jobs, nature wouldn’t work as well as it does. Thanks to urbanization on a large scale, birds and animals have lost their natural habitats” said Pratap on asking the reason behind feeding birds and strays every day.
He also mentioned that the earth is not home to humans alone. Animals have equal rights too. They are a part of it and hence humans should learn to coexist with them.
“When I came to Bhubaneswar at the age of 12, the state capital was full of trees. Most of the areas were covered by thick forest until a decade ago. Urbanisation, industrialisation, and natural calamities have led to the destruction of trees indicating massive deforestation in the state capital. Due to the effects of deforestation, wild habitats were forced to migrate. That’s not all. Bhubaneswar has been witnessing a sharp rise in temperature due to the deforestation”, said Pratap who visits 8-10 places near Ram Mandir Square, Bhubaneswar Club, Kalinga Hospital and Niladri Vihar every day to feed birds and strays.
Pratap provides pulses, wheat, and mustard seeds to birds every day. Apart from this, he feeds strays with roti, boiled rice and other food stuff every day. Be it torrential rain or scorching heat, Pratap never leaves these animals stay hungry.
Pratap is a proud parent to 11 stray dogs. “For me, strays are as loving and loyal as breed dogs and deserve same kind of love. Most people don’t realise that strays are equally capable of being lovable pets in our homes as any fancy breed that can be purchased. Strays are also very loyal. They easily bond with people who provide them food and water. They generally respond by showing affection and trust and becoming protective of their humans as well. Despite being viewed as a menace to society, these strays contribute immensely towards the well-being and sanitation of the country.”
He continues: “Stray dogs survive by scavenging through garbage for leftover foods. This makes them a boon to public sanitation as they make quick work of the waste carelessly thrown by us. Sadly, these strays live dangerous lives and are prone to road accidents. Therefore, it should be our collective responsibility to ensure that these animals are looked after and cared for. They are not just a social responsibility, but also a moral one. Let’s try our best to provide food and joy to these animals because they deserve it. Together we can help make a difference for these animals who don’t have a voice of their own.”
Upon being asked about how he arranges funds to feed animals and birds every day, Pratap says, “Sometimes, I get financial help from various quarters for buying fodder and medicines. My family members also support me. Earlier, it was not difficult for me because I used to earn something from fellowship. As I am not earning now, my family and generous people come to my rescue always when I face fund crunch. Above all, it has been God’s grace.”
By Rashmi Rekha Das
