Let’s dive into the history of Bishnoi community and Lawrence Bishnoi, known for its dedication to environmental protection. The Bishnoi community is one of the world’s first groups to champion environmental causes, yet remains relatively unknown to many. They stand out as a community willing to risk their lives to protect animals and nature. Stay tuned for more insights into their inspiring commitment.
Introduction
Many of us have heard of Guru Jambheshwar University, named after the pioneering environmentalist Guru Jambheshwar. Born on August 28, 1451, He was a nature lover and a spiritual leader. He actively raised awareness against animal slaughter, advocating for the protection of all living beings.
Do you know who discovered the ozone layer? If we look it up on Google, we’ll find that it was discovered by French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson. However, here’s a mind-blowing fact: Guru Jambheshwar mentioned this concept over 500 years ago!
Guru Jambheshwar Priniciples in History of Bishnoi Community
Jambheshwar Ji shared 29 principles, or sanskaar, during his life, which is why his followers are known as Bishnoi. The Bishnoi community deeply reveres Lord Vishnu and strictly follows these teachings. Among these, “Don’t cut green trees” stands as a core principle, along with saving animals and abstaining from meat.
The Bishnoi place a special focus on the Khejri tree, an incredible species native to Rajasthan. This resilient tree remains green even in the scorching months of May and June, needing little to no water, and supports the growth of surrounding plants. In a powerful act of devotion, 363 Bishnoi people once sacrificed their lives to protect the Khejri trees. This commitment continues to shape their environmental legacy.
In 1730, Maharaja Ajay Singh ordered the felling of Khejri trees to gather timber for his monument. When his soldiers arrived to cut down the trees, Amrita Devi from the Bishnoi community stood against them, embracing a tree and declaring they would have to take her life before they could harm it. In a tragic yet inspiring act, she, along with her family and 358 others, sacrificed their lives to protect the sacred Khejri trees. This act of bravery has become a symbol of the Bishnoi community’s dedication to nature and environmental protection. Her sacrifice added a new chapter in the history of Bishnoi Community.
Sacrifice of Amrita Devi & Nihal Chand Bishnoi
The Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award was established by the government to honor the sacrifice of Amrita Devi. In 1996, Nihal Chand Bishnoi heard gunshots in the forest and realized someone was hunting deer. Acting quickly, he mimicked different sounds to warn the other deer to flee. Unfortunately, he discovered that six deer had already been killed. Determined to protect their bodies, he refused to let anyone take them. Nihal Chand sacrificed his life in his effort to defend the fallen animals. The government recognized his bravery by awarding him the Shaurya Chakra.
Bucho Ji Story
In 1756, in Nagor, King Narasimha ordered a khejri tree to be cut down. Bucho Ji, a member of the Bishnoi community, protested, emphasizing that trees provide oxygen—a concept people didn’t understand at the time. Many laughed at him, dismissing his words and claiming that the Bishnoi sacrifices were exaggerated or false. They found it amusing, wondering why anyone would give their life for trees. Undeterred, Bucho Ji sacrificed his life, proving his commitment and ensuring that no one would dare cut down the trees again. Eighteen years later, in 1774, Joseph Priestley discovered photosynthesis, proving that plants indeed produce oxygen.
Baba Siddiqui & Lawrenece Bishnoi
Baba Siddiqui was enjoying the Durga festival amidst a large crowd when suddenly, gunfire erupted. As soon as the public realized what was happening, Siddiqui was rushed to Lilavati Hospital. Unfortunately, due to excessive blood loss, doctors were unable to save him. Mumbai Police quickly announced efforts to solve the case, soon arresting two shooters: Karnail Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh. They also apprehended Shiv Kumar from UP and a fourth suspect, Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar.
Pravin Lonkar from Pune allegedly hired the shooters and tracked Siddiqui’s movements for a month, paying each shooter 50,000 rupees. But the larger questions remain: who orchestrated this attack, and who was financing it?
This leads to Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious figure who has been in jail for the past ten years yet is reportedly running an international crime syndicate from within a high-security prison. Utilizing VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, he is able to make untraceable calls worldwide, coordinating his activities even from behind bars. Due to his high-risk status, the Union Home Ministry has prohibited the Mumbai Police from bringing Bishnoi into Maharashtra for interrogation, leaving Mumbai Police unable to question him in their investigation.
