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Street Theatre: Saving India's Vultures
1 Jan
Summary
- S Bharathidasan uses street theatre and puppet shows for vulture conservation.
- Vulture numbers decline due to poisoning from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- The Kerala-Tamil Nadu-Karnataka trijunction is a key area for vulture sightings.
S Bharathidasan embarked on a mission to conserve endangered vultures after witnessing their plight. For the past 13 years, he has utilized street theatre and puppet shows through his organization, Arulagam, to educate the public. These performances are concentrated in the Kerala-Tamil Nadu-Karnataka trijunction, a critical habitat for vulture populations.
Bharathidasan's initiative targets vulture hotspot villages, delivering 20-minute shows that convey vital conservation messages. Pamphlets are distributed to enhance outreach. The narratives creatively integrate vulture conservation, drawing parallels from epics and folklore, and addressing contemporary issues to resonate with local communities.
The decline of vultures is primarily attributed to the misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which poison carcasses, their main food source, and a general scarcity of food. Arulagam, comprising volunteers and a dedicated team, actively works to counter these threats and elevate the profile of these essential ecosystem contributors.
