Nest Man Rakesh Khatri’s Journey: From 20 Nests to 8 Lakh
Have you ever met someone who literally gave wings to his dreams—by building homes for birds? Meet Rakesh Khatri, lovingly known as “The Nest Man of India.” In an era where skyscrapers dominate the skyline and green spaces are vanishing, this man has dedicated his life to the tiniest, most fragile beings among us—birds.
This is not just a story of environmental conservation; it’s a story of passion, persistence, and purpose. And it all began with just 20 nests.
The Beginning: One Nest at a Time
The year was 2008. Urbanization was growing, and along with it came the silent disappearance of the house sparrow—a once-common bird now struggling to survive in concrete jungles. Disturbed by their vanishing presence, Khatri took it upon himself to act.
He handcrafted 20 nests out of eco-friendly materials, hoping to invite sparrows back. But nothing happened. The birds didn’t come. People mocked him:
“Birds build their own nests, why would they need yours?”
But he didn’t give up.
Mission Sparrow: From 20 to 7.88 Lakh Nests
Fast forward to today—over 7.88 lakh bird nests later—Rakesh Khatri has become a beacon of hope in bird conservation. Through his non-profit Eco Roots Foundation, he has rallied over 14 lakh people across India to build nests and restore habitats.
This isn’t just about sparrows anymore. It’s about creating safe, sustainable spaces for various urban birds who are losing their homes due to shrinking greenery, sealed buildings, and climate change.
Spreading Wings: 7,000+ Workshops Across India
Khatri didn’t keep his mission to himself. He hit the road—schools, colleges, universities, corporate offices—conducting over 7,000 workshops and training students, teachers, and volunteers in nest-making using jute, coconut husk, and bamboo.
He believes education and hands-on action are the keys to real change. And the numbers prove it.
In just two years, from 2016 to 2018, he trained 2 lakh students, earning a place in the Limca Book of Records for the most bird nests built in a campaign.
Awards & Accolades: Recognized by the World
Rakesh Khatri’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. His contributions have received national and international acclaim, including:
- National Science Award (2021) by the Govt. of India
- Green Leadership Award (2023) by India CSR Network
- Earth Day Network Star (2020)
- International Green Apple Award (2013) by the House of Commons, UK
He has also been featured on The Kapil Sharma Show and honored as Earth Champion of the Month by Sony BBC Earth—bringing his message to mainstream audiences.
The Challenges: A Journey Full of Obstacles
This journey wasn’t easy. In the early days, Khatri was often ridiculed. People doubted the impact. And in reality, birds were hesitant to use human-made nests initially.
But with persistence, innovation, and research, he refined his methods, studied bird behaviors, and improved the designs. Gradually, the birds came. They laid eggs, raised chicks, and returned season after season.
Today, many of his nests are bustling with life—a symbol of what hope, consistency, and love for nature can create.
Why This Mission Matters More Than Ever
As cities expand, we seal our buildings, cut down trees, and create heat islands with little space for nature to breathe. For birds, this means no shade, no water, and nowhere to build a home.
House sparrows, once a daily companion of Indian households, are now classified as ‘endangered’ in some parts of the country.
Rakesh Khatri’s mission is more than symbolic. It’s a practical blueprint for urban conservation—one that’s easy, impactful, and scalable.
What You Can Do: Join the Nest Revolution
You don’t need to be an environmentalist to make a difference. All you need is the will to act.
Here’s how you can help:
- Build a nest: Use eco-friendly materials like jute, clay pots, or coconut shells.
- Attend a workshop: Follow Eco Roots Foundation for updates and training sessions.
- Spread awareness: Talk about birds, share resources, and educate your community.
- Create bird-friendly spaces: Put water bowls, plant native trees, and avoid pesticides.
Even a single step can help bring a sparrow back home.
A Legacy of Hope
Today, Rakesh Khatri is not just building nests—he’s building a movement, an ecosystem of hope where birds and humans coexist. He’s nurturing a generation of nature warriors—one nest, one child, one city at a time.
So the next time you see a bird perched on a man-made nest, remember—it could be one of Khatri’s. A quiet reminder that even small acts of kindness can echo through generations.
Final Thought
In a world that’s constantly taking from nature, here’s one man who chose to give back—8 lakh times over.
Want to make your own nest and join the bird-saving revolution?
Visit Eco Roots Foundation and learn how you can be a part of this mission.
Most read: https://tnheadlines24.com/ambedkar-jayanti-2025/
Disclaimer: TN HEADLINES24 is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided in this article. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TN HEADLINES24.
