Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster currently in prison, has been appointed national president of the youth wing of the All India Jeev Raksha Bishnoi Sabha, an organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, especially blackbucks, which are sacred to the Bishnoi community. The decision was made during a meeting on 29 October 2024 and has garnered attention due to Bishnoi’s extensive criminal record. Founded in 1977 by environmentalist Sant Ram Bishnoi, the organization’s mission centres on wildlife protection, with blackbuck conservation as a core focus.
The appointment document specifies that Bishnoi’s role involves promoting wildlife protection and raising environmental awareness among the youth. The unanimous decision by community leaders reflects Bishnoi’s influence and perceived “youth icon” status within the community. However, his criminal history—including charges of extortion and murder—has sparked public debate, with some questioning the alignment of his background with the values of wildlife conservation. This appointment highlights the complexity of leadership choices and the balancing of community values with controversial figures in conservation roles.
