10 lakh Bishnois to pledge environment protection

Chandigarh, Feb 16 (UNI) More than ten lakh environmentalists from all over the country will pay their tribute tomorrow, to the 15th century saint Jambheshwar Maharaj, by taking an oath to follow his teachings of protecting wildlife.

''Tomorrow, on the occasion of ''Phalgun Amavasya'', more than 10 lakh Bishnois and environment lovers will re-dedicate themselves by taking a 'pledge' to protect wildlife at the samadhi of Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj in village Muktidham Mukam in Bikaner district of Rajasthan,'' said Hira Lal Bishnoi President All India Bishnoi Mahasabha.

Mr Bhajan Lal, former Union Environment Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister, would administer the pledge to the followers of Guru Jambeshwar Maharaj in the presence of Ram Narayan Bishnoi, Deputy Speaker, Rajasthan, he said.

''Guru Jambeshwar Maharaj, founder of the Bishnoi Samaj in 1485 A D, was probably the first environmentalist of the world,'' said Arun Johar Bishnoi, Media Advisor, All India Bishnoi Samaj.

''Not to harm animals and trees'', was one of the basic 29 tenets (Bis+ Nau) laid by the Guru for simple living and high thinking, on which the Bishnoi Samaj was founded, he added.

His 363 followers sacrificed their lives in 1730 A D for protecting the trees at village Khejarli in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, Mr Bishnoi said.

UNI