Flying high

The Kerala Pigeon Society aims to create interest in pigeon breeding

ORIGIN: Formed in May 2004, Kerala Pigeon Society is the only such organisation in the State and perhaps in the country that exclusively caters to pigeon lovers. Ever since it came into being, the Kochi-based group has been operating in a consistent and disciplined manner with diverse activities. The need for forming such an organisation was initially mooted by some of the Kochi-based pigeon lovers.

The Pigeon Society has a pan-Kerala presence and currently boasts 205 members. Only lifetime memberships are offered and anyone with a keen interest in avian friends is always welcome. “Initially, we had only a handful of members and those days were a struggle. But looking back, we are a contented lot as the organisation has matured into a well-oiled entity”, opines Dr Benjamin D’souza, a practicing ENT physician and currently the president of the Pigeon Society.

ACTIVITIES: Pigeon lovers and breeders felt the need to have a dedicated body to coordinate and streamline their varied activities. The Society has been conducting pet shows on a regular basis across Kerala. Several of their activities are also held in close collaboration with Government bodies and departments. Remarkably, the Pigeon Society could succeed in generating better awareness on the quality of birds and establish a fair price system among its members.

“The Society was formed with several objectives in mind and we are sticking to it to the best of our ability”, remarks Liju Pallan, secretary of Pigeon Society and a professional pigeon breeder himself. Ensuring the quality of pigeons of all kind, safeguarding endangered pigeon species, creating opportunities for self employment and charity services are just some of them, he adds. According to him, be it American or Belgian, Fantails of all kind have a great fan following in Kerala.

Today, pigeon rearing has turned out to be a steady source of income for many. The members meet unfailingly every second Sunday to discuss, share, display, exchange and sell pigeons. “If done correctly through qualitative breeding and by maintaining good upkeep, pigeon rearing can turn out to be quite lucrative, observes Dr D’souza.

IMPACT: The Society feels that enhancing the awareness quotient in matters related to pigeons among members and the general public was the biggest impact that it could bring about during the past nine years.

GETTING IN TOUCH: To know more about Kerala Pigeon Society call 9846732692 (President) 9895198953 (Secretary) or log on to www.keralapigeonsociety.