A Vision That Transformed Lives: A Journey Through Time

The Bird Foundation’s story is one of relentless dedication, innovation, and commitment. Among its many milestones is the establishment of an open-air theatre in the prestigious Rambagh Palace Hotel (part of the TATA Group). This space became a hub for nurturing talent, where artists received structured training, a steady income, and a chance to refine their craft.

For 15 years, the foundation ran a repertory program, offering 1,500 artists the opportunity to perform in a professional setup. These artists not only gained recognition but also a sustainable livelihood, allowing them to pass their traditions on to future generations. Today, many of them are well-settled, and nearly 10% have performed at international festivals, representing India’s folk arts on global stages.

From Local Roots to Global Recognition: Rajasthan’s Desert Festival

The Bird Foundation has been instrumental in shaping some of India’s most iconic cultural events. In 1979, the foundation conceptualized and launched the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer in collaboration with Rajasthan Tourism. What started as a regional initiative has now grown into an internationally celebrated festival, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

This event not only showcases the vibrancy of Rajasthan’s folk music, dance, and crafts but also provides a platform for local artists to gain worldwide exposure. Today, the Desert Festival stands as a testament to how one visionary effort can turn a dying tradition into a global attraction.

Empowering Kalbeliya Dance and the Rise of Padma Awardee Gulabi Sapera

More than three decades ago, The Bird Foundation played a crucial role in the rise of Kalbeliya dance, one of Rajasthan’s most mesmerizing folk art forms. In 1985, the foundation discovered and mentored Gulabi Sapera, a young Kalbeliya dancer from the famous Pushkar Festival.

Recognizing her potential, The Bird Foundation provided her with unwavering support, training, and opportunities, leading to the popularization of Kalbeliya dance worldwide. Today, Padma Shri Gulabi Sapera teaches Kalbeliya dance in over 20 countries, conducting online classes with the help of her educated daughters.

Her success story is a shining example of how grassroots cultural efforts can uplift not just one individual but an entire community, ensuring the legacy of folk traditions lives on.

Taking India’s Folk Arts to the World: Albert Hall, London & Beyond

The Bird Foundation’s commitment to showcasing India’s folk traditions has crossed national borders. In 1985, the foundation received an invitation from the Greater London Council (GLC) to perform at the prestigious Albert Hall in London. This performance was a historic moment, as it took place on the last day before the GLC was abolished by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

This international recognition cemented The Bird Foundation’s status as a cultural ambassador of India, proving that folk arts have the power to captivate audiences beyond geographical and linguistic barriers.

A Filmmaker’s Dedication to Art & Education

Behind The Bird Foundation stands a visionary leader—a retired professor of film studies, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, and a mentor to many successful artists.

With 75 documentary films to his credit and two National Awards, he has used cinema to tell stories of Indian heritage, bringing the struggles and triumphs of folk artists to light. Among his many students, one of the most notable is Prasoon Pandey, a renowned advertising filmmaker who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cannes Film Festival, France.

His work has not just documented culture but has actively shaped it, inspiring future generations to embrace and innovate within their artistic pursuits.

A New Chapter: Ethnic Wear for a Global India

Even after decades of cultural service, the passion for innovation and empowerment continues. Post-retirement, the founder of The Bird Foundation has embarked on a new journey—designing ethnic men’s wear, particularly Indian woolen jackets, inspired by the traditional styles worn by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Using high-quality Raymond’s woolen fabric, this initiative aims to provide employment to skilled female tailors in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This endeavor is not just about fashion—it’s about sustaining heritage craftsmanship, supporting artisans, and spreading the warmth of India to the world.

Through this project, The Bird Foundation envisions a future where Indian ethnic wear reaches every corner of the globe, carrying with it the essence of Bharat’s rich textile legacy.

A Call for Support: Keeping the Flame of Tradition Alive

For 35 years, The Bird Foundation has thrived without government grants or external funding, choosing instead to build sustainability through self-earned resources. However, as times change and the need for preserving traditional arts grows more urgent, the foundation is reaching out for support.

Now, it is your turn to be part of this beautiful cause.

By supporting The Bird Foundation, you are not just donating—you are investing in the preservation of India’s cultural soul, empowering artists, and ensuring that our folk traditions continue to flourish for generations to come.

For contributions, collaborations, or inquiries, please reach out:

📍 The Bird Foundation
📍 Malviya Nagar Branch, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
📩 Email: himmatsinghjadeja123@gmail.com
📞 Mobile: +91 9314951825

Final Words: A Legacy of Art, Culture & Heritage

The Bird Foundation has spent decades nurturing, preserving, and elevating India’s folk traditions, proving that culture is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing entity that shapes our present and future.

As the world moves forward, let us ensure that the voices of our folk artists are not lost in time but continue to echo across generations.

The Bird Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, a bridge between heritage and modernity, and a testament to what passion, dedication, and collective effort can achieve.

🙏 God bless the world in crisis. May we all stand together to preserve the beauty of our culture.