For S Bharathidasan, a passion for birdwatching evolved into a lifelong mission to rescue one of India's most critically endangered and overlooked species: the vulture. His journey from an enthusiast to a dedicated conservationist highlights a unique, grassroots approach to environmental activism.
From Birdwatching to a Life's Mission
While observing birds, Bharathidasan first learned about the perilous state of vulture populations across the country. However, the pivotal moment arrived in 2010 when the Malabar Naturalist Society based in Kerala invited him to participate in a vulture survey. This experience was transformative. He decided to dedicate his life to the cause of vulture conservation, founding his organisation, Arulagam. The name honours a nature conservationist named Arul, who passed away in 2005.
The Unconventional Route: Theatre for Change
Instead of relying solely on traditional awareness campaigns, Bharathidasan devised an innovative strategy: street theatre and puppet shows. For the past 13 years, his organisation has been performing solely on vulture conservation. They focus their efforts in the Kerala-Tamil Nadu-Karnataka trijunction, one of the last remaining strongholds for vultures in South India.
His team selects 20 vulture hotspot villages at a time, delivering impactful 20-minute performances. While the show goes on, other members distribute informative pamphlets to the audience and in nearby shops and tea stalls. The content is creatively tailored to resonate with local communities.
Weaving Mythology and Modern Issues
The performances ingeniously blend folklore, epic tales, and contemporary themes. Stories range from adaptations of Sindbad the Sailor, where vultures help find precious stones, to the tale of Jadayu, the vulture from the Ramayana who tried to protect Sita from Ravana. The team also connects vulture conservation to day-to-day issues or special occasions like Women's Day or Independence Day.
"Vultures are vital for our ecosystem and yet ignored unlike more charismatic species," says Bharathidasan. The core message revolves around the primary threat: the misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in livestock. These drugs poison carcasses, which are the vultures' primary food source, leading to renal failure and a catastrophic population decline. The theatre highlights this critical issue of food shortage and poisoning.
A Volunteer-Driven Force
Arulagam comprises about 40 members, most of whom are volunteers with full-time jobs. Despite this, they maintain an exclusive team dedicated solely to vulture conservation activities. Their work continues to gain recognition; the group recently performed at the Wayanad Bird Festival and has scheduled a performance in Erode on January 4.
Bharathidasan's approach involves engaging all stakeholders—from pastoralists and veterinary doctors to livestock inspectors and pharmacists—each through methods tailored to their understanding. This comprehensive, community-centric model, spearheaded by creative awareness, offers a beacon of hope for the survival of India's crucial scavengers.
