Dr. Salim Ali was born on 12th November 1896. Salim Ali got his initial education from St. Xaviers College, Bombay. He was a renowned ornithologist and naturalist. He is known as the ‘Birdman’ of India. Salim Ali was the first Indian to arrange for systematic survey of birds in India. His books on birds have helped immensely in enriching the knowledge about birds. He was conferred with the second highest civilian award of India, the Padma Vibhushan, in 1976. After becoming a member of Bombay Natural History Society in 1947, he utilized his influence to obtain government aid for this institution. He played important role in formation of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Kevla Dev National Park). He also made great efforts to stop the construction of a dam project which was a threat to the Silent Valley National Park.
