P. A. Chacko SJ
Sparrows are farmers’ friends. Benefactors to humanity.
Chinese Premier Mao Tse Tung realised this lesson at a tremendous cost.
He told the people to kill all sparrows because they ate grains. He propagated the theory that poor harvest and famine were caused by sparrows.
The killing spree was nationwide. Mao’s paid volunteers and unwilling populace who were forced into ‘Operation Killing’ were engaged in the mammoth exercise.
Soon sparrows were not seen.
Next came subsequent harvests that yielded little grains. Then some wise farmer pointed out to Mao the insects, pests and vermins which were earlier eaten by the sparrows.
Mao beat his breast. He entered upon a multi billion trade with Russia and Japan to import sparrows.
Thus, eco-balance correction was done.
Birds are our friends and benefactors. They help in preserving the ecological balance. Don’t just accommodate them. Acknowledge their contribution. May all live happy!