BISHNOI : Living in Harmony with Nature by Bhavya Bishnoi

What is in a Surname? 

In most cultures, surnames are affixed to a given first name, typically in a patrilineal manner, to reflect a person’s geographical, occupational, caste, and/or religious identity. Generally, people hold their surnames in great pride and esteem, often coming up in arms with one another when the prestige of their surname is perceivably challenged. 

My surname, too, has a story behind its inception – a story that dates back over five centuries and one that can be described in pages on end. ‘Bishnoi’ is derived from two Hindi words, ‘bees’ (or twenty) and ‘nau’ (or nine) to reflect the twenty-nine commandments or precepts that form the nucleus of our philosophy.  To read more download the book and read.