Chapter Authors of Yogecology

Shri Jasnath (1596–1620 CE) was a revered saint and social reformer from Rajasthan, born in Katariasar to Hamir Jani and Rupede. A disciple of Gorakhnath, he spent 12 years in deep meditation in the desert before dedicating his life to uplifting society through his teachings. He championed ahimsa (non-violence), environmental conservation, and social equality, challenging rigid caste structures and spiritual elitism by making knowledge accessible to all. Jasnath emphasized the sacred bond between humans and nature, teaching that true spirituality transcends rituals and lies in harmony with the world around us. His wisdom continues to inspire communities through the teachings of Shri Jasnath Asan, guiding people toward balanced, conscious living.

Surajnath Siddh is the 12th and current head monk of Shri Jasnath Asan (ashram), in Panchla Siddha, Rajasthan, India. The asan is one of the oldest educational, social and religious institutions in the Marwar region having been founded in the 16th century. He was initiated into the Nath Siddh tradition at age of six. After completing his Master of Arts in Yoga Psychology at Bihar School of Yoga in Munger, he assumed institutional responsibilities in 2001. The ashram now has more than 70,000 faithful members, many of whom who gather twice annually to celebrate the founder's work. He contributes profound insights into eco-spirituality in Yogecology, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Shree is currently serving as Director of Rajasthan Hatha Yoga Institute at the ashram and in the United States where she lived full time for seven years, studying and practising yoga and Ayurveda as part of her pursuit of a PhD in Integrated Medicine. As co-founder of the institute, Shree has created a global organisation of women who conference at Utsava Maa to discover methods of bringing more women into conservation efforts. The conference now has an active scholarship fund for girls seeking advanced degrees in environmental sciences and a girls' empowerment camp. Drawing from her deep knowledge of yoga and Ayurveda, she weaves themes of empowerment, ecological restoration, and the spiritual responsibility of humanity into the narrative, inspiring readers to reconnect with nature on a deeper level.

Dr. Vandana Shiva is an Indian physicist, environmentalist, and social activist renowned for her work in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and women’s rights. She founded the Navdanya movement, which promotes seed saving and organic farming, and the Research Foundation for Science, Technology, and Natural Resource Policy. A recipient of the Right Livelihood Award, she is a global advocate for ecofeminism and food sovereignty. In Yogecology, she provides a compelling foreword that sets the stage for discussions on ecological balance and social justice.

Ramnivas Bishnoi is a Lecturer in the Department of Botany at Rajasthan Public School, specializing in Ecology and Environmental Studies. He earned his M.Sc. in Botany from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. As a member of the Bishnoi community, renowned for its deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation, Ramnivas integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern botanical education, fostering a holistic understanding of environmental stewardship among his students. His dedication to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices reflects the Bishnoi ethos of living in harmony with nature, inspiring future generations to uphold these values. He authors the chapter "Original Environmentalists: The Bishnois" in Yogecology, sharing ancestral ecological practices that have preserved local biodiversity.

Sharon K. Schafer is a talented wildlife artist and photographer based in Nevada. She combines her passions for nature and art, creating stunning wildlife paintings and photographs. Schafer is a signature member of both the International Society of Animal Artists and Artists for Conservation. Her work is highly sought after by collectors and displayed in museums across the country. She also shares her love for the wildlands by teaching art and nature-related classes, as well as lecturing extensively about the beauty and diversity of life on our planet. She enriches Yogecology with her chapter "Love of Nature is Not Enough" and provides illustrations and photographs that capture the region's biodiversity.

Dr. Sumitra Kumari Choudhary is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU), Jodhpur, India. Her research focuses on plant biotechnology, with notable contributions to the conservation and sustainable management of Thar Desert bioresources. She has co-authored several publications, including studies on micropropagation systems and genetic diversity in plant species. Dr. Choudhary is also involved in academic events, serving on the organizing committee for conferences such as the 51st Conference of the Mycological Society of India held at JNVU. She contributes the chapter "Foraging for Sangri: Foundations of Bioresourceful Conservation" in Yogecology, offering insights into sustainable foraging practices.

Ilse Koehler-Rollefson is a German scientist and veterinarian known for her work in championing pastoralism, ethnoveterinary medicine, and camels, especially in India. She has been instrumental in helping the Raika people, whose traditional way of life was under threat due to their dependence on camels. Her efforts have earned her several accolades, including the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2017 and the Federal Cross of Merit from the German Federal 

Government in 2018. Koehler-Rollefson's work focuses on sustainable livestock keeping and the conservation of traditional pastoral practices. In her chapter "Humans’ Best Friend in the Desert" in Yogecology, she discusses the symbiotic relationship between pastoralist communities and camels.

Georgina Umney is an ecological artist with a diverse background in ecology and conservation, youth and public engagement, activism, and public arts events. As the co-director of the arts CIC Undergrowth Collective, she seeks to unite creative talents through immersive events and moving image in order to foster emotional connection, collaboration, and action on ecological and social issues. Through a varied practice and cross-disciplinary approach her work explores the significant potential of art to develop and support cultural and social adaptations to climate change. She authors the chapter "Art and Activism" in Yogecology, exploring how creative expression can drive environmental protection, and provides illustrations throughout the book.