On 26th Feb I was off-site from work due to COVID. In the mid-afternoon, I went out and while returning I saw a helpless pigeon on the ground unable to move. I quickly took out a piece of biscuit n kept near the bird. It did not show any enthusiasm. I understood it was in danger. In this country, pigeons are considered menace n feeding them is a crime and often they are poisoned to cull. I took the bird home as an act of compassion does not need any one’s approval.
My two children, mother-in-law, and husband appreciated my bringing the helpless creature home, but my helper showed disapproval stating that it might carry diseases. I reassured her that I am a doctor n not to worry.
I figured out I can not help it anyway (as vets may not agree to handle wild pigeon ) except for providing food, shelter n love. We named it Varalu ( boons in Telugu). I continued to clean its poop n kept soft clothing n tissues to make a cosy nest.
It refused to eat n move for many hours. I started chanting a mantra of my favourite deity for its recovery n woke up 5 times in that night to observe its progress.
At 4 am when I opened my eyes, I thought the bird might be dead n I did not dare to go to the living room. But I continued my prayers. At 5 am, I went and found the bird picking food n drinking water. The bird ate a lot.
That evening the bird moved around n by night it was flying n sat over the furniture. That night I kept the bird in the balcony for it to feel the sky and get motivated.
I left for work the following morning but continued my chanting. When I was in a hurry to wind up my clinic, my daughter called me and said the bird flew away n joined the flock. It was a moment of incredible joy for me.
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