Of Birds and Men

Birds are aesthetically alluring, soulfully endearing and infinitely musical. Man's acquaintance with birds has started since time immemorial. Gradually, this association evolved into one of deep interdependence and faith, leading to a thick spiritual bonding.

Ever since birds flew into their curious vision and stole their hearts, eliciting softness and casual sympathy, they have become a part of the human destiny, life and culture. Birds have added a new leaf and many colorful images to their lives. Perhaps, a birds' nest, an excellent work of art and architectural sample, has been man's earliest inspiration to build a protected space for shelter. Nevertheless, birds have tickled them into feeling the early sensations of language and music, and they have been the aides of their initial learning as well. Birds have also symbolized to them all the lofty thinking and a broader general view of the world. Birds have been their flights of freedom - say, their waking, walking and moving ahead.

Their mutual co-operation and harmonious social exchange have been notably strong, warm and superb. Nuts, leaves and fruits, they have shared commonly, prompting plants to produce more and more for feeding them on demand. From enemies they have saved each other by signaling instant warnings. Wild animals they have tamed with a spell of their kindness and cheer. United, they have worked out a policy for welfare.

The lightness of their feathers and shapeliness of their tiny structure, have all been woven into Nature's gift of richness of spirit. Watching birds either hovering in the sky or calmly chirruping on tree-top is really a sweet and memorable experience.

They are the best neighbors, human beings have ever managed to select. Their songs are amazingly sweet and beautiful; and are deeply soothing as they touch the very heart strings of man. But, seldom have their lamenting cries feigned to add a rueful wave to the woes of man. They are the happy creatures who have no worries about tomorrow. They are the borderless ambassadors of love and peace.