Sapkota registered with the World Records Academy earlier this year under ‘most bird calls imitated’ for his unique talent in mimicking one hundred and fifty-one avian sounds. He claims he has received confirmation regarding his submission to the Guinness Book of World Records.
“Since I was a child, I was fascinated by birds, especially the crows,” the twenty-six year old bird-caller said, recalling his early years and fascination for the messenger birds.
“I grew up listening to the fairytales where the brave young princess sought for an elusive ajambari buti (Elixir of Immortality), guarded by a wise old crow. For some reason, I always believed it was true. Even today, I feel if I can communicate well with the crows, I might be able to get hold of it,” he said beaming over his childhood fantasy.
Sapkota made his first public feat some three years back from Ratnapark during a Kaag Tihar, the Hindu crow-worshiping festival, in which about five hundred crows responded to his call. According to him, the idea first hit while watching a sitcom.
“I was watching an Indian television show where an actor was mimicking some political leaders. Then suddenly I thought, why not mimic a bird? The idea was so irresistible that from the very next day, I gave my heart to learning it.”
The journey from oblivious factory worker to world record holder was certainly not an easy one. Besides the obvious difficulty in learning avian languages, Sapkota was also reined by the double-edged suspicions of the army and Maoists alike. His forays into the jungle met with accusations from the army for being as Maoist spy and vice versa.
Still single, these days Sapkota receives invitations from various schools and colleges throughout the country and gives lectures to students about different birds, their habitat, unique sounds and impact on ecology. He laments the state’s lethargy towards his attempts and points out that his application for nomination for the Guinness World Records was done entirely of his own accord.
“The government has not responded to my struggle,” he said. “I am surviving on my own by attending calls from various schools and functions. However, in spite of this, I am not asking for money or employment. I simply want the government to help me get the certificate (of Guinness World Records).”
“I’m afraid it’ll take me years to receive the certificate if the government won’t assist.”
Sapkota, who received the National Conservation Award 2008 from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), plans a rather uncanny protest campaign against the government’s indifference.
“If my pledges fall on deaf ears again, I’ll call all crows from Kathmandu and gather them at the airport. I guess the government would then have to hear me out if all the international flights are suspended,” he gushed with a hint of mockery.
The enthusiastic bird caller, who hails from a village in Makawanpur district, ascertained he has two more claims for the Guinness Records, but refrained from revealing them before receiving his first certificate.
Gautam, who has also recorded several modern and pop songs in his avian language, claims one of his songs has been selected for the annual World Songs by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Two arrested for attacking Punya Gautam
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