Jadav Molai Payeng is known as the Forest Man of India. A normal man who grew a forest over 1,360 acres of land. His incredible work is an inspiration for everyone, it’s a proof of human dedication and what we can achieve if truly want to conserve nature. Let’s see his journey from a normal boy to farmer to an environmentalist who is now known as the forest ma of India.
Jadav Payeng Story
Born in 1963, Jadav used to live in the sandbars of Majuli – World’s largest river island, there he has seen floods, soil erosions and deforestation taking lives. When he was 16 years old, he saw body of a dead snake because of flood. It broke his heart forcing him to think about the importance of nature for every creature including humans. So, from that time (from 1979) he started planting trees all by himself. For decades he has been continuously planting trees without anyone’s help. It’s not an easy task, to convert a barren land into a forest that too all alone. First, he started planting trees on an island for that he used to go by paddling boat everyday for years. Imagine watering so many plants and trees without anyone’s help. But no matter how hard it was he did it. There are many occasions when he has to go against everyone also, when people tried to stop him because of wild animals, but he stood his grounds to protect his forest.
Molai Forest Now
Forest created by him is named after him and known as the Molai Forest. It is the largest man-made forest in India and largest man-made forest on sandbars having area of more than 1,360 acres. Molai forest is now home to a large eco system including animals like Elephants, Bengal Tigers, large varieties of Deer, Monkeys and Rhinoceroses. This forest is also home to large varieties of Birds making it a perfect spot for Birdwatching. Jadav has not stopped yet, he still plants trees daily and now working on expanding the area of his forest by more than 500 acres.
Jadav Payeng’s work was finally recognized by Indian government when he received India’s Padma Shri award in 2015, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. Many documentaries are made featuring him, even movies are made inspired by his story and there are story books that tells his story.
Jadav Molai Payeng’s story is a perfect example of a person’s dedication and love for nature. He did not wait for anyone to change or anyone’s help, he started it all alone and did it alone. It shows if we want to change, we have to become the change. His efforts are not just good for environment but also saving many lives, Majuli island and many species.
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Until next time, keep travelling and take care of Nature.