The concept that we are all beings and interconnected is present in the Vedas. Bishnois are a tribe in Rajasthan, who are inborne conservationists. Jumbhoji was the founder of this community, he preached respect for all life. They revere the Black buck which is considered to be an incarnation of their Guru. Bishnoi women have been known to nurse a baby fawn.

Radheshyam Bishnoi was working in the Thar Desert. He was known for his rescue of the great Indian Bustards. He would travel miles if he heard about an injured wild bird. He spent his childhood rescuing hurt animals. His sorrow was that he could not save them all. Over the ears he built a huge network of informants (shepherds, camel and cattle herders, farm laborers etc.) who gave him information about wounded camels, cattle and other wildlife in the desert.

Compassion and non-violence

He was known for climbing transmission towers and threatening to jump off, if the forest department did not fit reflectors onto electric wires. The reason for this was that a great Indian bustard which had poor vision had flown into the lines and had been electrocuted. His protest worked. He helped to build watering holes across the desert region, where chinkara (black buck) and other wildlife can hydrate in the summer. He was in a jeep with his colleagues and his vehicle collided head on with a truck on the highway. They were chasing the lead about deer poachers in this area. All three died. He was 28 years old.

The Bishnoi faith is a religious offshoot of Hinduism. There are 29 tenets that emphasize living in harmony with nature and protecting all beings. Jambhoji, their Guru forbad harming trees and animals. Compassion and non-violence are tenets. Prayers are to be performed twice a day. He said that sustainable practices like water conservation and avoiding the use of indigo blue were essential to protect the environment. Because Indigo dye negatively impacts the environment by depleting the soil and drying it out.

We have lost a savior of Mother Earth.

Aim Hrim Klim

Picture by T. R. Shankar Raman – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0