World Sparrow Day : Definition, History & Significance
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World Sparrow Day is commemorated on 20th March every year to raise awareness and protect the common house sparrows, which are seen less due to noise pollution. Special efforts are made to conserve the House sparrow and other common birds through special events organized on this day.
What is the history of World Sparrow Day?
World Sparrow Day is the brainchild of Nature Forever Society, started by Mohammad Dilawar. Mohammad Dilawar was named one of the “Heroes of the Environment” by Time magazine in 2008. Nature Forever Society wanted to earmark a day to conserve the House Sparrow and appreciate the beauty of the common biodiversity. The first World Sparrow came into existence in 2010 and was celebrated across all parts of the world.
What is the significance of World Sparrow Day?
House sparrow or Passer domesticus has been one of the earliest birds everyone has seen in their childhood. The house sparrow has been the most common bird globally but has been on the decline since noise pollution has increased over the years. The decline ranges from lack of insect food for the young and increases in microwave pollution from mobile phone towers. The rationale for celebrating World Sparrow Day is to bring together individuals, nations, and international groups to raise the need to conserve sparrows and urban biodiversity.
How is World Sparrow Day celebrated all over the world?
The earliest celebrations from Nature Forever Society came by constituting the first Sparrow Awards in 2013 hosted in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Winners have been selected basis their contribution in the field of conserving the house sparrow and other common birds.
- The Nature Forever Society encourages various offices to host a lunch-hour party to commemorate World Sparrow Day.
- House Sparrow photography competition for the office members. The biodiversity photo contest is held every year, having House Sparrow as its theme.
- Various offices distribute bird boxes and bird feeders to their employees. Office staff members are encouraged to place plant hedges to offer a safe environment to house sparrows.
- Painting & Drawing competition is organized in Schools and colleges and fancy dress competition to commemorate World Sparrow Day.
- The children are encouraged to pen down their own stories regarding house sparrows and play interactive games using educational tools, images, and videos.
Another major landmark in celebrating World Sparrow Day in India was the tie-up of Wipro with Nature Forever Society. They have been awarding three individuals and one business institution over the years for making inspirational efforts to make natural conservation happen at the grassroots level. They should have made the efforts without any formal backing/support.
On World’s Sparrow Day, we should encourage everyone to love all birds rather than an only house sparrow. Let us start by keeping some water and food in balconies and open spaces in the summer season to feed the birds and help the birds grow in our area.