MP: Ex-Armyman offers Rs 21,000 reward, observes fast for missing pet bird 'Tota Gopi'
Shahdol, Aug 9
In an unusual and emotional appeal that has gone viral on social media, a retired army personnel from Sohagpur in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh has announced a reward of Rs 21,000 for anyone who helps him recover his pet 'tota' which escaped a day before.
He had named the bird as Gopi.
Chandan Mishra, who lives near Banganga Mela ground under Sohagpur police station area, released a video message expressing deep distress after his beloved bird flew away on Saturday afternoon.
The family had initially announced a reward of Rs 11,000 but raised it to Rs 21,000 on Sunday in a desperate bid to get the "Tota" back.
Mishra is seen narrating in the video that he had brought the young parrot from Amarkantak in neighbouring Anuppur district about a year ago.
The family raised it with great care, and the bird became extremely friendly with all members.
Affectionately called both 'Gopi' and 'Mitthu', the green bird has a black ring around its neck and distinctive feathers on its back.
It imitates the voices of family members and can speak a few words, the former Armyman said.
These unique traits and special sounds have been detailed in posters released on social media to help people identify it.
On Saturday, young members of the family were playing with the parakeet when it suddenly took flight and vanished.
Hoping it would return on its own, they waited near evening.
When it did not come back, they launched an intensive search across neighbouring roofs, trees and surrounding areas, but found no trace of the bird.
Visibly emotional, the former soldier has declared that he will observe a fast until Gopi returns safely.
The family has also contacted a local pundit and plans to organise a special 'havan-pujan' (religious rituals) seeking the bird's safe homecoming.
The heartfelt appeal and the unusual reward have drawn widespread attention online, with many people sharing the posters and video in the hope that someone spots the talkative parrot and helps reunite it with its devoted owner.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's so touching to see someone care this much for a bird. In today's world where people forget their own parents, this man is fasting for his pet parrot. Truly shows how precious every life is. Hope Gopi comes back home soon! 🦜❤️
Respect for this ex-serviceman! But I have to say, with all due respect, I hope this doesn't set a wrong precedent. We have people struggling for basic needs, and paying such a huge reward for a bird seems disproportionate. Maybe help the needy with that money too? Just saying.
The video is so emotional! The way he talks about Gopi imitating their voices and being part of their family... it's like losing a child. In Indian households, pets become family. Shahdol wale please keep an eye out for this special tota! Share karo yaar, help him find Gopi!
Bas ek pankhi ke liye itna kuch! Kisi ko apne maa-baap ki itni fikar nahi hoti. But respect for the bond they share. I hope the havan-pujan works and Gopi returns. In today's fast life, such pure love is rare. Salute to this veteran! 🇮🇳
This is heartwarming! In the US, people sometimes offer rewards for lost pets too, but fasting for them is next-level devotion. I hope the power of social media and the community helps reunite this brave man with his feathered friend. #FindGopi
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