Ramjibhai Makwana, an 85-year-old retired teacher from Seehor, Gujarat, has turned his home into a haven for over 1,500 birds at his Pakshi Tirth Ashram. Alongside his wife, Hira Ben, he has dedicated the past 40 years to feeding birds, caring for animals, and helping the needy, creating a living sanctuary that draws both wildlife and visitors. Ramjibhai Makwana’s story is a powerful reminder that compassion knows no age, and a single person’s dedication can transform a community.
The journey began with a childhood tale Ramjibhai heard, teaching that feeding birds pleases the divine. After retiring from a government school, he used his pension to establish the ashram in Seehor’s Ramtekri area, a quiet corner of Bhavnagar district. Money was tight, and the work was demanding—preparing food for birds, maintaining feeders, and ensuring clean water daily. Yet, Ramjibhai and Hira Ben persevered, driven by a belief that no bird should go hungry. “If I rest, what will my birds eat?” he asks, his voice steady with purpose.
Each morning, the couple rises before dawn to fill feeders with 5 kilograms of grains—millet, wheat, and rice—tailored for species like peacocks, bulbuls, pigeons, mynas, and parrots. Hira Ben prepares rotis for stray animals, while Ramjibhai’s innovative setups, crafted from recycled materials like old cans and boxes, ensure every bird has a place to eat. They’ve planted fruit trees—mango, guava, and jamun—to provide natural food, making the ashram a self-sustaining ecosystem. Their efforts have attracted 15 bird species, a stark contrast to Seehor’s crow-less landscape, as noted by Ramjibhai’s son Mukesh in a 2022 Times of India interview.
The ashram’s impact extends beyond wildlife. Ramjibhai Makwana feeds impoverished villagers, sharing whatever resources he has. His daily prabhat feri, a morning walk through Seehor, collects discarded items repurposed for the sanctuary and inspires locals to donate grains. “Good deeds attract help,” he says, crediting the community’s support for sustaining the ashram. Tourists, drawn by the sight of hundreds of birds flocking together, visit daily, boosting local pride and eco-awareness.
The couple’s life hasn’t been without struggle. At 85, Ramjibhai’s energy defies his age, but physical strain and financial uncertainty have tested their resolve. Early on, they relied solely on his pension, a modest sum for such an ambitious mission. Family members, including their children, step in occasionally, but Ramjibhai and Hira Ben manage the ashram alone, living simply to prioritize their cause. Their faith, rooted in the Jain principle of jeev daya (compassion for all living beings), keeps them going, echoing India’s growing wildlife conservation movement, which includes 573 sanctuaries covering 122,564 km².
Ramjibhai Makwana’s work has earned him the nickname “Sitaram” in Ramtekri, a nod to his saintly dedication. Social media buzzes with admiration, with X users calling him “a true eco-warrior” for his tireless service. His ashram aligns with efforts like Gujarat’s Karuna Abhiyan, which supports injured birds during kite festivals. Yet, his story stands out for its personal touch—a retired teacher choosing birds over comfort, proving that small acts of kindness can ripple widely.
As India grapples with biodiversity loss—40% of bird populations have declined in 40 years due to urbanization and climate change—Ramjibhai’s sanctuary offers hope. His legacy inspires young conservationists and reminds us that protecting nature starts with empathy. For Ramjibhai Makwana, every chirp is a thank you, and every day is a chance to honor the lesson he learned as a child: care for the voiceless, and the world will care back.