Wednesday 12 April 2017

Shailesh Chowatia's Bird and Animal Helpline- A unique venture

                 







Sailesh Chowatia takes tremendous pride in calling himself a Jain as he truly believes in all its principles and follows them to the tee, considering that it teaches its followers not to harm even the tiniest of Gods creatures. He as a school going child, would pick up injured birds and nurse them to health and leave them back to their natural environment. As he grew up to be a young lad he took the help of a few of his friends and worked with greater devotion towards Animals and Birds. People then started approaching him with problems and he took on more helping hands, till finally he started his own “Bird Helpline”.
This Helpline is managed by his assistants round the clock. There is a number available, on which anyone who notices a distressed bird or animal can call. Once the Helpline receives the details about the victim, they immediately send help to the requested location. Either Veterinary Doctors or ambulances    and trained nurses are sent with medicines to treat the animal or bird. Once treated, very often a few more medicines are given to the care takers to ensure that the course of medicines is fully completed.  Many a time there are repeat visits by Vets to check the progress. There is group created on the popular ‘what’s app’ application called “The Bird Helpline Follow up” which takes the feedback through various volunteers. Due to the efficiency of execution of the entire process, all the clients are happy and grateful too.
One such grateful resident of Mumbai Ms Utkarsha Naik says her call for help for a burns victim not only got immediate help, but also got full support till the dog fully recovered. “BirdHelpline has always been quick to respond and a boon to people who aren’t trained to treat animals on the road in distress.” Saileshbhai speaks of various difficult cases which were miraculously healed by his persistence. Two cases that were brought to him on two different occasions were Golu and Hope. Some miscreants threw acid on their faces as a part of their festivities and they could have been scarred for life. But Saileshbhai took them to the best vets in Town. One name which is pronounced often when such cases come up is Dr Dave from Kandivli who not only treated them, but also carried out a reconstructive surgery on their faces. Dr Dave says, “ Both these dogs were victims of extreme abuse by humans when Birdhelpine came to  the rescue . Birdhelpline is a unique service, the brainchild of Mr Shailesh”. Once Saileshji saw a small puppy on the road who looked very ill. It was very serious, such that veterinary docs refused to touch him and told him it wouldn’t survive. But Saileshji said he would try his best and only the will of God could decide the little one’s fate. So he tried various therapies and took him to many vets of which one finally agreed to treat the child. God’s will worked positively and the puppy became hale and hearty. Once more a miracle only due to the   perseverance of Saileshji.  This kid Laalu lives just below Saileshji’s building and is loved by all the residents of his society. These miracles and many more encouraged his resolve to work harder for the street kids.
BirdHelpline headed by Shaileshji organized an anti-crackers drive just before Diwali to create awareness about how birds and animals are majorly affected by the loud noises, pollution and the fire emanating from bursting of fire crackers. Saileshbhai is very much for enjoyment during festivals and happy celebrations, but does emphasize that people should be responsible towards the environment.  Little baby birds who have lost their mother due to Kite flying festival are filled in his balcony and Shelter cages. Every now and then they have to be assured by a motherly touch that they are secure. They have to be fed and cleaned as any other child. His better half, Shradha takes it all in her stride. According to Shradhaji having so many sick birds at home was never a hurdle or a health threat to her little kids, as she always kept her home clean and mind clear of any doubts.
Another veterinarian Dr Khusboo who helps and supports Birdhelpline says “ Birdhelpline is a team effort of each person working for it. Right from Shailesh ji, Sonalben who receives the distress calls and makes arrangements, Harshbhai who organizes seminars and is an active member and a lot of others.”
Birdhelpline follows a definite protocol to carry out its mission to help each and every bird and animal in Mumbai. Shailesh Chowatia is determined to reach out to all who need him 24*7.
It is his dream for a big shelter which could include enough dog, cat, bird and cow friendly space which is top most on his priority list at the moment. A dream which he wants to make a reality in the near future. Cruelty towards animals could be curbed if Animal laws could become stricter or better still if each one follows his deeper conscience as Saileshbhai does, there would be no cruelty towards animals in the country.