Dr Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali  (12 November 1896 – 20 June 1987) is called the “Bird Man of India”. We underplay his role as a conservationist when we call him by that name. Dr Salim Ali believed that not just birds, but everything in nature is interlinked. For bird watchers in the Indian subcontinent, Dr Salim Ali was a legend. He started ornithology when it was, in his own words, the “Cinderella of Indian Zoology”. India’s best-known ornithologist, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and three honorary doctorates for his exemplary work.

He studied the birds of nearly every region of the subcontinent and described the history, geography and habitat of the birds in detail. He demystified the phenomenon of the migrations of birds. Dr Ali is recognized for pioneering the use of systematic surveys of birds in India, the creation of the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and protection of the Silent Valley National Park. He dedicated himself to conservation for half a century and played a significant role in shaping India’s environmental policies.

At a time when Climate change and global warming is a major concern for the world and environmental crisis is a serious reality. The world needs eco-crusaders like Dr Salim Ali.

Painted Stork, a migratory bird, nesting in Bharatpur bird sanctuary.

Dr Salim Ali’s picture has been downloaded from the internet.