The Indian Roller, Neelkanth, is considered
a sacred bird in the Hindu Mythology but unfortunately this same belief brings
enormous misfortune to this lovely bird known for its mid air acrobatics( and
hence the name Roller). It gets its name Neelkanth because of its blue(Neel) throat
(Kanth). It is a reminder of Lord Shiva,
the Neelkantha, when he drank poison and had a blue throat. It is state
bird of Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and the Telangana.
The Indian roller hip
hops in the air, careening and
somersaulting to the delight of all those who watch it. People consider it auspicious to see it on
special occasions, especially Dushera and the Durga Puja. Its five colours are
also reminiscent of the five Pandavas. People think to see it , it will bring good fortune to them and all their
sins will be washed away. This is mere superstition and like all other
superstitions is far away from logic and truth.
However, because of
this belief , the Indian Roller get into
lots of misery, suffering and pain. It is mercilessly captured and put into cages to be shown to
people for a charge during the festive season. It is covered with cloth, its wings are chopped or glued , its feet are tied with wire to refrain it from flying away. When in captivity , it does eat
grains and drink very little water. Often, it dies out of starvation and even
when freed after the festive season, the chances of its survival are dim as by
that time it gets very weak. Another
superstition is that if its wings are chopped and mixed with grass as feed for
cows, the cows will yield more milk.
To end its torture and
suffering, some well meaning NGOs , especially the International Humane
Society, India have taken up the issue with the authorities. The efforts have
yielded some results but more needs to be done. The bird needs your assurance
that whenever you see it trapped or
being caged or tortured, you will come to its rescue The Indian Roller, the
Neelkanth, needs you. You can call toll free helpline 1800 4255 564 or call
International Humane Society at 91-7674922044. By the way, International Humane
Society has launched awareness campaigns, including a wonderful one for the
school going students, to educate people against the superstitions attributed
to the bird.
Indian Roller is protected
under the Schedule IV of the
Wildlife(Protection) Act 1972. The penalty for violating this Act is a fine of
Rupees Twenty Five Thousand or imprisonment.
The Indian Roller was
born to fly free to delight your eyes with its acrobatics in flight, to spread
the joy and happiness of its very being. It will continue to do so, provided
you come to its rescue. Will you?
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