Knighting the Kite - Centurion Way At OUAT
In the sprawling campus of Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), a wounded kite lay on the ground, its broken wing rendering it flightless. The doctors of the veterinary hospital worked tirelessly to heal the bird, but despite their best efforts, the wing broke again and again, leaving the kite in a state of despair. After repeated futile attempts to treat it, it was decided to let the bird live with the broken wing.
The injured kite meandering on the OUAT campus
Dr Indramani Nath, Professor and Head of the Department of Surgery & Radiology, College of Veterinary SC & Animal Husbandry, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, who treated the injured kite, was deeply committed to his work. Despite the challenges he faced, he never gave up on the bird, working tirelessly to provide the best care possible. His dedication paid off, and the kite was able to fly once again, albeit briefly. Though the bird’s wing eventually broke again, Dr Nath’s efforts had given it a second chance at life.
The OUAT staff made it comfortable in the surgery department verandah. The flightless bird trying to lift off the ground with the broken wing became a common sight. It was a sad sight, but at least it was alive – and the kind-hearted staff ensured it had enough water and food. Normally, this would have been the end of the story. But fate had something special in store for this bird.
One day, a compassionate animal lover from Centurion University, noticed the injured bird and felt compelled to help. She reached out to the President of Centurion University, Prof Mukti Kanta Mishra, who was moved by the story and decided to take action.
He entrusted the task to build a treehouse for the ill-fated kite, complete with a ramp for easy access to Mr Partha Mohanty, Head of Centurion University’s Wood Engineered Lab. It took roughly a month and the treehouse was then installed in a tree in the OUAT Surgery Department building – and soon enough our kite was happily living in its new home, lovingly watched over by the caring staff of OUAT. Months went by, and to everyone’s surprise, another kite, a female, came to befriend the injured kite in his tree house. Gradually, the two birds became inseparable friends. To everyone’s delight, the two kites settled happily in the new house with the female kite flying away from time to time, always to return to her partner in the treehouse.
The happy kite sitting on the treehouse contributed by Centurion University
When Prof Mishra, learned that the injured kite had found a new companion, he was overjoyed. To him, it was a testament to the power of love and the resilience of nature, even in the face of adversity. He knew that the treehouse had provided a sanctuary not only for the kite but for all who sought refuge within its walls, and he felt honoured to have played a part in its creation. The story of the treehouse birds embodied the spirit of Centurion University’s mission to shape lives and empower communities. This is a learning example for all to be inspired and continue to seek out new ways to make a difference in the world.
As time passed, the once-wild kite grew tame and allowed people to pet him, becoming a sweet success story at OUAT. The story of the kite and his treehouse companions served as a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness and compassion on even the most vulnerable creatures.
Ultimately, the tale of the treehouse for a hopelessly injured kite became a story of love and a happy ending. It shows that with a little compassion and help, even the most helpless creatures can find happiness and belonging. This is an inspiration to all of us to lend a hand of help wherever possible – and be part of the ‘happily ever after’ fairy tale.
