Originally reported and written in December 2022, this story has been republished as part of our archival content.

When most of his friends spent their holidays in foreign countries, Aman Sharma recalls how different his school vacations were. His parents used to take him to bird sanctuaries and national parks across the country.

“As a child, my parents made me explore my country and familiarised me with our natural heritage. Ever since I developed a love for animals and birds,” says Aman Sharma, a climate justice activist and a youth wildlife conservationist.

Residing in a metropolitan city like Delhi didn’t stop him from pursuing his interests in birding and wildlife photography. To attract more birds and butterflies near his house, he set up a terrace garden, which he calls his ‘urban jungle', with over 500 plants. “I have spotted over 100 species of birds from my terrace,” claims the 19-year-old.

Birding community by youth for youth

Aman started bird-watching from his house balcony at the age of 13. “I would wake up early every day to spend some time on my balcony watching the birds in the neighbourhood. It was a life-changing experience,” recalls Aman, who is currently pursuing environmental studies in the US.

“Once a........

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