Nadeem and Mohammad Saud, Delhi-based brothers, have devoted their lives to rescuing injured birds, particularly those harmed by synthetic kite strings, commonly known as manjhas.

Their journey began in their late teens when they discovered an injured black kite entangled in a manjha. Despite seeking help from numerous vets, they were turned away.

“We knocked on the doors of several veterinary clinics. They told us, ‘We do not treat carnivorous birds,’” recalls Nadeem.

Determined to make a difference, the brothers began rescuing injured birds on their own, placing them in safe spaces. “We kept looking for help but couldn’t find any,” Nadeem adds.

In 2003, they found another injured kite. This time, a vet agreed to help, marking the start of their bird rescue journey. "We were able to save the bird,” Nadeem says.

By 2010, their mission expanded to a full-fledged NGO called ‘Wildlife Rescue’. Since then, they have saved over 33,250 birds from more than 109 species. “We cater to at least 40 species every year,” shares Nadeem.

With help from locals, the brothers converted their rooftop into a bird rescue centre. "We have 130 healing birds on our rooftop on any given day,” Nadeem adds.

The birds they rescue suffer from various injuries. “Some have gynaecological issues. On other occasions, the chicks fall from the nest or juveniles get injured while learning how to fly,” explains Nadeem.

Nadeem and Saud have no formal education in wildlife rescue. "We quit school in 1997 as our family’s financial condition could not allow us to study further," Nadeem says.

However, they have sought professional training abroad. “We visit wildlife centres in the US to learn new techniques and improve our skills,” Saud explains.

Initially, the brothers funded their work from personal savings. Donations have now eased some of the financial burden. “It is challenging to manage all the expenses from our earnings,” Saud admits.

The duo plans to establish a full-fledged hospital for birds. “We have rented a small clinic and more donations will help us build an adequate facility for the birds,” says Saud.

The brothers hope that people understand the seriousness of causing harm to birds for the sake of entertainment. “Injuries from the manjha cause unmeasurable damage to birds. I hope people reduce kite flying,” Nadeem concludes.