15/04/2026
Have you ever thought about helping birds in your city? Ashok Tevani, a 74-year-old retired banker from Nagpur, has spent over a decade doing just that. Since 2014, he has been crafting sparrow nests from discarded materials like wedding cards, chocolate boxes, and old cardboard. His home even has a collection box for neighbors to drop off unused cards.
Over the last 12 years, Ashok has handcrafted more than 2,725 nests. Each nest takes 5 to 5.5 hours to make and is designed to give sparrows a safe, cozy place to nest and raise their chicks. While he initially gave them away for free, he now sells them for โน40 to ensure they are used properly.
Beyond building nests, Ashok teaches children about wildlife through workshops in schools, inspiring young minds to care for urban biodiversity. His work combines upcycling with environmental conservation, showing how small actions can make a big difference.
Known fondly as โTevani Kakaโ, Ashok Tevani has become a symbol of compassion for nature. His unique approach proves that simple materials and dedication can help protect birds and bring communities together. Through his efforts, thousands of sparrows in Nagpur now have safe homes, and more children are learning the value of protecting wildlife for the future.
