Omkar Kandikar

Omkar Kandikar, an NPR reporter based in Mumbai, dives into the controversial ban on pigeon feeding in the city. He explores the deep-rooted religious significance of feeding pigeons for many residents, particularly among Jains. The ban, positioned as a public health measure, ignites protests and reveals intercommunity tensions. Kandikar also highlights how feeding birds provides companionship for Mumbai's urban poor, shedding light on the complex social dynamics at play in this seemingly simple act.