Bishnoi community-the warriors for Environmental Conservation
Would you dare to get your head cut, just to stop someone from cutting the tree? Sounds insane to you right? It’s neither insane nor a joke, it’s in fact, a reality that took place long ago when global warming was not even a threat to our planet. When it comes to environmental conservation nobody can ever beat the devotion of Bishnois - a community that’s considered to be the first environmental warriors in the world. And it is because of the belief of this nature-lover community that even if their heads get cut while saving trees, it’s not a big deal. They have a feeling that for saving a tree, sacrificing our life is not a bad deal.
History reveals that in 1731 AD, around 363 Bishnoi (also known as Vishnoi) sacrificed their lives while fighting to save the trees. The king of Jodhpur during that era was willing to expand his fort and had asked his troop to cut down the trees, however, the Bishnois opposed this act and hugged to trees and thus 363 men and women sacrificed their lives. Eventually, the king after seeing this unprecedented mass movement decided to take back his decision of cutting the trees. Bishnoi means Bish - twenty noi - nine, they follow 29 customs of their Guru Jambheshwar maharaj who believed that harming environment means harming yourself. Each of the 29 precepts focused on the protection of mother nature. Bishnois set an example of a great bond of harmony between humans and the environment. The community ensures healthy eco-friendly living which included no cutting of trees or killing of animals. Even to build their abodes they follow eco-friendly measures. Most of their attires are white in colour as they make sure no animal or trees were used in dyeing the clothes. This evidently is in the true sense a vegan lifestyle.
This community of nature-lovers from Rajasthan is thus a great inspiration and there is a lot much to learn from them, especially during this time of environmental crisis.
What can we learn from Bishnois?
The will power and determination showed for environmental conservation by the Bishnoi community people is what our current situation demands. In the name of development and urbanization, we are knowingly or unknowingly harming the environment and ultimately putting the future of our planet in danger. They were the visionaries who rightly followed their precepts to significantly value environment and protect it under any circumstance. Every creature has the right to live. Since trees and animals cannot fight for their own rights, we as sensible humans have to do justice to them, this is what many communities still do. If we all follow their footsteps, surely the world can turn into a better place to live in. We can make use of eco-materials instead of killing animals like using vegan leather, rubber tyre tubes, dry leaves etc. The environmental activists can meet these living legends and learn about their great deed. Bishnoi community is an ideal example of sustainable living, their attachment to animals and nature is a real inspiration to the world.