In a heartwarming example of community-led conservation, a new and safe home for birds has been built in Lambi-Ahir, a small village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district. Standing nearly 70 feet tall, the bird house now provides shelter to more than 2,000 birds every day, offering them a space to fly, nest, and thrive.
The initiative was led by Neeru Yadav, fondly known as the “Hockey Wali Sarpanch.” With support from the Aditri Foundation, she helped bring the ambitious project to life. Today, the bird house has become a source of pride for the entire village. Children wake up each morning to the sound of birdsong, learning early lessons about the importance of living in harmony with nature. Neeru Yadav’s journey, however, extends far beyond this conservation effort. A former hockey player, she rose from the sports field to the seat of local governance. After becoming sarpanch, she chose to dedicate her salary to forming a girls’ hockey team in the village. Those girls are now competing at the state level, filled with confidence and dreams of a brighter future.
Her vision and dedication have earned national and international recognition. She appeared on *Kaun Banega Crorepati* Season 15 alongside Amitabh Bachchan and later represented India at the United Nations in New York. The bird house she helped create is more than just a structure—it carries a powerful message. True development begins when humans, animals, and nature are allowed to coexist in balance. Stories like Neeru Yadav’s remind us that meaningful change may be challenging, but with determination and compassion, even a small village can inspire an entire nation.
