Birdman for All

Noor Nobi, once a broken man aimlessly wandering the streets of Calcutta with no will to live, had lost his three beloved children in a tragic accident. They were his reason for living, his everything. One fateful day, amidst the hustle and bustle of a crowded market, he noticed a bird—caged, frightened, and ailing. Despite his meager finances, he patiently waited until the vendor began closing shop. With a quick negotiation, the vendor, perhaps eager to rid himself of the sickly creature, accepted Noor Nobi's offer.

For reasons he himself couldn't fully explain, Noor Nobi felt compelled to nurse the bird back to health. Day by day, he tended to its needs until it regained its strength and could finally take flight. Taking the bird to a majestic Banyan tree, he set it free. It was then that he allowed himself to weep openly, mourning the loss of his children.

This act marked a turning point for Noor Nobi. Returning to work, he began using his weekly earnings to frequent the market, buying sick and caged birds, nursing them back to health, and releasing them under the shade of the same Banyan tree. Word spread, and soon crowds gathered to witness his compassionate ritual. Some viewed him with skepticism, others with reverence, unsure of what to make of this man who poured his heart into saving birds.

Veronika Martenova Charles stumbled upon a brief newspaper mention of the "Birdman" of Calcutta, and her imagination was captivated. Intrigued, she journeyed to India, seeking out Noor Nobi and witnessing firsthand his liberating birds. Inspired by this touching true story, she chronicled it in "The Birdman," beautifully illustrated by Annouchka Gravel Galouchko and Stéphan Daigle.

The book not only narrates Noor Nobi's journey but also includes an afterword, diary entries, and photographs from the author's experience, providing a poignant glimpse into the life of a man who found solace and purpose through acts of kindness towards creatures in need.

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