An idea takes flight

RS Nageshkar is the AVP personnel and HRP of ThyssenKrupp Industries India Pvt Ltd. He was the first employee to carry out the experiment at his residence. He set up a few bamboo shoots,with holes carved into them,to provide birds nesting space. Within days,small birds had started frequenting the shoots,coming regularly for shelter. Nageshkar quickly expanded his small establishment,making provisions for larger birds and also set up a small feeder and a small water container. The birds became regular visitors,some even permanent residents. “Initially,there were only a handful of parrots,” Nageshkar says,“But over time,they bred,and now there are nearly 40 parrots living there.”

The success of this small endeavour encouraged the employees at ThyssenKrupp to think big. They embarked on a plan to set up similar nests all over the industrial belt in Pimpri area. Their company being plentifully green with trees,they believe that building the nests,along with water containers and feeders,will make the place a flourishing point for birds. By recreating a natural habitat for them,ThyssenKrupp is helping the birds find a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The project has found full support from vice chairman,Dara Damania. All the workers believe that this is an initiative that anyone can undertake,whether one dwells in a small apartment or in a row house. The birds don’t even require an actual feeder,remnants of our own food will suffice. The cost is minimal,but the reward,priceless. This is the first step of its kind to be taken on a corporate front and takes the term ‘corporate social responsibility’ to a whole new level.

“By taking up an initiative such as this,we ensure that the message of responsibility passes on to our children and neighbours. By taking such a small step,the happiness and survival of so many birds has been resuscitated. This is something to be proud of. The demand for these bird nests is huge and the response is more than we could have ever hoped for,” Nageshkar says. He hopes that they have set an example for other industry players and citizens alike.