by Richie Lasrado, Resident Editor, Daijiworld.com
Pics Sphoorti Ullal

Mangalore, Feb 27: Crows are a species of birds usually abhorred and detested by the humans for their black colour, unattractive appearance and the raucous noise they make, be it celebration or panic.

But at the heart of the matter lies the basic fact that but for these self-appointed, public-spirited scavengers, our cities, towns and villages would have remained filthy, messy and smelly.

Here is a case of a deep-rooted bond cemented between a man and crows. The gentleman is Navinchandra, owner of a juice centre on Bibi Alabi Road in the city. When our team visited his shop on Tuesday, February 27, a few crows, who would dread the close presence of humans, were seen eating out of Navinchandra's hands without any care or scare.

Our men tried to feed the same crows. But they would not touch it even with a bargepole. Navinchandra feeds three of them regularly every day around noon. They would not dare come closer if other staff of the shop do the same favour. It is just a 'No, thanks' attitude.

What if he does not happen to turn up?, our reporter was curious to know. "They would not turn up either," said Navinchandra.  Only when he shows up, at least those three crows would recognize him and get closer to happily eat from his hands.

This rare bonding has created a lot of curiosity among the public. But, alas, as the crowd gathers, the birds fight shy and stay away.

Isn't there a moral for us mortals, if at all anyone bothers to ponder over it? In these times, when man keeps killing man, this kind of an emotive relationship should make us learn a lesson or two.