Born in the heart of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, Radheshyam grew up in the Bishnoi community, where protecting nature has been considered a sacred duty for over 500 years.
By his teens, he was rescuing injured animals. But he didn’t want to just heal wounds — he wanted to stop them from happening.
His heart would especially beat for the Great Indian Bustard. With fewer than 150 left, he fought for safer skies by pushing for underground power lines and kept poachers at bay.
Radheshyam didn’t wait for policy, he mobilised people. As head of the Godawan Conservation Project, he trained as a veterinary assistant and inspired local volunteers to join the fight.
Apart from protecting the GIB, he built over 50 water reservoirs for thirsty animals, rescued vultures, and protected gazelles, spiny-tailed lizards, and countless others.
Through his lens, he captured the soul of the desert — raising awareness and documenting the wild he fought so hard to protect.
Radheshyam filed over 50 cases and helped imprison more than 300 poachers throughout his life.
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On May 24, 28-year-old Radheshyam was on a mission, responding to a poaching alert. Tragically, he never made it.
A road accident took him and three other conservation warriors. He died doing what he lived for — protecting the voiceless.
In a world losing touch with nature, Radheshyam Bishnoi remained its fiercest ally without waiting for recognition.