A Forgotten Rescue: My True Story of Saving the Lesser Florican in Akola (1998)

In November 1998, in the Akola district of Maharashtra, I received a call that would not only change my life but also spark a deep commitment to wildlife protection.

A man named Mr. Himat Kajwa Pawar contacted me and said he had found an injured bird—a rare and endangered species called the Lesser Florican. Without wasting a second, I jumped on my two-wheeler, took a friend along, and rushed to the location, a village named Sisamasa, about 15 kilometers away.

When we reached, no one from the authorities had arrived yet, even though Mr. Pawar had informed the local environment office. We carefully brought the bird back—three of us riding triple seat—determined to save its life.

That moment became a highlight for Akola. The news was published in newspapers, broadcast on television, and I still have the newspaper cuttings to this day. Sadly, what followed was an unexpected turn of events.

📸 Misrepresentation and Credit Taken by Others

Some people from Nagpur district, who were also environmental enthusiasts, visited Akola to see the rescued bird. Out of interest, they came to witness the live Lesser Florican, which was proudly shown to them by me and Mr. Pawar.

Later, they uploaded the bird’s photographs on Google and other platforms. However, they failed to mention or thank us—the ones truly involved. Instead, they gave the impression that they had discovered the bird themselves. While their interest in the species is appreciated, overlooking such a basic courtesy was both disrespectful and disappointing.

😞 Used for Publicity, Not Recognized for Effort

Before the rescue, I was already deeply involved with a local birdwatching group we had formed, called Pakshi Mitra. I dedicated myself wholeheartedly—organizing events, conducting competitions, and managing logistics such as prize money and letter pads. We also actively promoted eco-friendly practices like tree plantation, birdwatching, and taking students and community members to various natural locations to connect with nature and observe birds. Additionally, we organized creative competitions, including bird-themed rangoli image contests, to raise awareness and engagement. Yet, over time, I came to realize that my sincere efforts were being taken advantage of by others who had little real involvement.

One such person even told me not to visit the place where the rescued bird was kept, saying the Forest Department was looking for me. Later, I understood that he simply didn’t want me to be recognized or be part of the spotlight. Strangely, this same person was later given the title of Manad Sachiv—an honor I believe was wrongly awarded.

🏅 Recognition Must Be Earned

Eventually, this same person was given a government honor—Manad Sachiv. I believe that before awarding such honors, it is important for the authorities to verify the actual work and contributions made by each individual. Recognitions like these should go to the deserving person who has truly worked on the ground and made a real difference.

⚠️ Disclaimer

Being someone who has always worked hard and taken real steps toward protecting nature and the environment, I want to clarify that not all organizations or groups are fake or misleading. There are many genuine people and teams truly making a difference.

In this article, I have only shared my personal experience, which unfortunately turned out to be disappointing. Despite putting in all the effort—from saving a rare bird to contributing to environmental initiatives—the recognition and outcome were not what I had hoped for.

Still, I hold no regrets. I am proud and content that I did my part for our environment, and I will continue to support nature in every way I can.

🔍 Final Thoughts

Before creating or joining any group—especially those working in the field of nature, wildlife, or social service—please take a moment to verify their authenticity and intent. Ask yourself:

Are they genuinely working for the cause?

Or are they using others' efforts to build their own image?

Real work speaks for itself, but truth deserves recognition, and so do the people behind it. Don’t let anyone use your dedication for their personal gain. Stand by your values, and always speak up for what’s right—because silence allows injustice to grow.

Let’s support honest efforts and make sure credit goes where it truly belongs.

🔁 Feel free to like, share, or comment if you believe truthful stories like this should be heard and respected.

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