The programme, designed to encourage environmental engagement, celebrates Dr. Ali’s 129th birth anniversary and aims to strengthen public connection with nature through birdwatching.
Guwahati: In a tribute to Dr. Salim Ali, the legendary Birdman of India, Aaranyak, in collaboration with Wipro Earthian, has launched a month-long citizen-led birdwatching and learning initiative titled ‘Chirp O’Clock’ across three districts of Assam.
The programme, designed to encourage environmental engagement, celebrates Dr. Ali’s 129th birth anniversary and aims to strengthen public connection with nature through birdwatching.
‘Chirp O’Clock’ encourages students, teachers, and citizens to explore their ecological surroundings through birds.
The campaign combines outdoor learning with sustainability education, offering a beginner’s course in bird identification, habitat observation, and species documentation.
“This initiative is about building a community that learns with nature, not just about it,” said an Aaranyak spokesperson.
The first phase of the initiative began on November 12 in Kamrup Metropolitan, Golaghat, and Jorhat districts. In Kamrup, activities were conducted at Deepor Beel, the state’s only Ramsar site, along with Dakshin Beltola High School and Amrit Udyan, where over 100 participants, including schoolchildren, teachers, scholars, Aaranyak officials, and local residents, took part in guided birdwatching sessions.
Participants observed various bird species while learning about their ecological roles and the challenges of urban biodiversity conservation. “It was eye-opening to realise how many bird species thrive right around us,” said Priyanka Das, a Class 9 student from Dakshin Beltola High School.
The programme also took place at Karaiyani High School in Golaghat and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Titabar in Jorhat, involving 95 participants. Students learned field methods in bird documentation, ecosystem mapping, and sustainable living practices. Teachers noted that the event promoted ecological awareness and encouraged responsibility among youth.
Dr. Salim Ali, whose research and writing transformed India’s understanding of ornithology, continues to inspire new generations of naturalists. “Through Chirp O’Clock, we honour Dr. Ali’s legacy by empowering people to see that every bird, every tree, every wetland tells a story of coexistence,” said an Aaranyak coordinator.
As the campaign continues, Aaranyak aims to turn participants into ambassadors of sustainability by documenting bird diversity, raising awareness about habitat protection, and inspiring citizen scientists across Assam. “Each bird we watch is a reminder of the balance we must protect,” reads the campaign’s closing note.
