In a world where cities often overshadow the natural environment, one man has taken a stand to ensure that our feathered friends have a safe place to call home. Rakesh Khatri, affectionately known as the "Nest Man of India," has made it his mission to protect and preserve the bird population, particularly sparrows, which have faced a significant decline in recent years. Through his innovative use of sustainable materials, Khatri has crafted thousands of birdhouses. He has earned national and international recognition for his efforts.

From Filmmaker to Environmental Champion

Before dedicating himself to environmental conservation, Rakesh Khatri was a documentary filmmaker. However, in 2008, he quit his filmmaking career to focus entirely on the dwindling sparrow population in urban areas. With a determination to make a difference, Khatri embarked on a series of experiments, eventually developing a birdhouse design using bamboo, cloth, jute, and cotton—materials that not only mimic natural habitats but also boast an adoption rate of over 85%.

Eco Roots Foundation

Khatri soon recognized the need for a structured approach to his conservation efforts. This led him to establish the Eco Roots Foundation, an NGO headquartered in Delhi but with a nationwide reach. The foundation's mission goes beyond just bird conservation; it encompasses a broader vision of environmental and ecological preservation, rural development, and community well-being. Under Khatri's leadership, Eco Roots Foundation has launched numerous initiatives focused on sparrow conservation, water conservation, and e-waste management, among other critical environmental issues.

One of the core objectives of Eco Roots Foundation is to engage with younger generations. Khatri believes that by educating and involving school and college students, as well as corporate employees, in environmental conservation, the foundation can create a lasting impact. This approach has led to the foundation's involvement in innovative projects supported by various corporate and institutional partners.

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Achievements and Recognition

Rakesh Khatri's dedication to environmental conservation has not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the National Science Award 2020. His work has also been featured twice in the Limca Book of World Records—once for conducting climate change theatre workshops across 24 cities in 17 states, engaging over 112,000 children, and another for a similar initiative focused on water conservation involving 94,000 girls.

Moreover, in 2012, Khatri and his team were recognized for creating over 120,000 handmade jute nests during workshops with students, a feat that earned them the International Green Apple Award. The foundation's efforts have also been acknowledged by the Earth Day Network and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In 2019, Khatri's work even found its way into the ICSE Board English Course Book.

As the driving force behind Eco Roots Foundation, Rakesh Khatri continues to lead with a vision that extends far beyond bird conservation. His foundation's programs are designed to raise awareness and inspire action on environmental, ecological, and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the foundation actively promotes afforestation, women empowerment, rural development, and sustainable livelihood practices.

As the "Nest Man of India," Khatri's legacy will continue to soar, much like the sparrows he has tirelessly worked to protect.