A unique eternal experience while visiting”the Parrot couple” in Chennai

“বনেরা বনে সুন্দর, শিশুরা মাতৃ ক্রোড়ে”

In Hindu mythology, animals have a special place; specially they have been described as “Vahan” means vehicle for various Gods and Goddesses. Lord Shiva is associated with Nandi (Bull), Vishnu with Garuda (divine Eagle), Ganesha with Mushika (Mouse),  Maa Durga with Simha (Lion), Saraswati with Hamsa (Swan), Lakshmi with Uluka (Owl), etc. Similarly, parrots are often associated with Goddess Meenakshi, the queen of Madura.  In Indian culture, Parrots [or Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)] are often considered as symbol of love, beauty, and spiritual transcendence. They are  considered as messengers of love and knowledge, embodying the power of communication  and the divine voice. Their ability to mimic speech and their vibrant colours make  them symbols of wisdom and eloquence. In various mythological tales, they are also seen as vehicles of wish-fulfilling energy and as messengers between worlds, reflecting the vibrancy and potency of spiritual utterance.

Watching birds and photograph them are  my old habits. When I was going to Chennai on 6-January-2026, one of my old colleagues sent me information about a wonderful couple in Chennai (Mr. Sudarson Sah and his wife Mrs. Vidhya) who are taking care of thousands of homeless parrots  by feeding twice in a day for more than last 15 years. Homeless when I say, there will be eye-brow raising, but it is a fact. About 10,000 trees where these parrots used to harbour were removed for development of container corridor in Chennai. Sudarson and Vidhya, have been feeding parrots, pigeons, doves, and house sparrows on their terrace, turning it into a paradise for birds and a major attraction for visitors, including foreigners and celebrities. Mr.  Sudarson is fondly known as parrot Sudarson in Chennai.

On my arrival in Chennai, I requested my host to arrange a visit to the Parrot couple. I am glad to mention here that Dr. Balamurugan of CSIR-CLRI could fix  our visit on 9-Jan-2026 at 4:00 pm after discussion with Parrot Sudarson.

Sudarson’s family belongs to Maratha area and his forefathers came to Chennai for business about three generations earlier. The story of feeding the birds began after his father passed away. As per the Hindu faith, crows are fed for feeding the departed soul and he started feeding the crows; along with the crows different other birds also started coming  over a period.   Hundreds of pigeons and thousands of parrots are now regular visitors at  Sudarson’s terrace.  They feed them every morning and evening  with love and compassion.

I was privileged to meet them at their place and witnessed the astonishing beauty of thousands of parrots being fed. The experience that I got was something unique, full of eternal bliss which I could never obtain in any bird sanctuary.

I feel, extremely fortunate to have a heaven on earth experience of watching thousands of parrots on a terrace along with the presence of the wonderful compassionate smiling couple in Chennai. It is a treat to eyes to view such a large number of parrots nibbling/ pecking and taking smooth flights to the nearby trees.  

Mr. Sudarson and Mrs Vidhya are both devoted and extremely kind not only towards these birds but equally to the visitors. I was also fortunate to receive their warmth hospitality during my visit. I was invited by them again to visit whenever I would be in Chennai.

Feeding such a huge number of birds every day is not an easy task that too without accepting  any external financial support. Any offer of donation they smilingly refuse.

Watching so many parrots enjoying the rice and groundnuts is also a blessing to my opinion.   The couple’s dedication to feeding the birds has not only provided them a source of pleasure but also a sense of spiritual  fulfilment and purpose of life.    The terrace is in real sense, a testament of their commitment to nature’s welfare and conservation efforts too.

In public interest, they allow about 100-150 people to visit between 4:00 to 5:00 pm on the basis of prior appointment.  One can get their mobile number in their Instagram account for appointment.

I returned from their house with a sense of understanding   “বনেরা বনে সুন্দর, শিশুরা মাতৃ ক্রোড়ে I” meaning – The wild creatures are  beautiful in forest, as children are in their mother’s lap.

Jai Bharat!

Satyabrata Maiti

Acknowledgement:

I am thankful to:

1. Sudharson and Mrs Vidhya for their kind courtesy in making our visit purposeful;
2. Geetha, for giving me the information about the couple and their location;
3. Bala Murugan, CSIR-CLRI for arranging my visit with proper appointment and also accompanying us to the place;
4. Baleshwar and Mr. Mohan Singh for giving me company to visit the place.