You can read Part 1 of this story here : Searching the Forest Man of India.
And Part of this story here : Meeting with Jadav Payeng.
While going near the ghat of Brahmaputra from where his forest is visible. I asked him why you don’t wear sleepers. He told me grasses will die if step onto them with my sleepers.
He got to know about plantation of trees from a teacher who used to teach him till class fourth.
Me: How your journey started of planting trees?
Jadav Payeng: At the age of 10 when severe flood hit Majuli, I was walking on a barren land and saw many dead animals and dead snakes. I was heartbroken and asked elders from nearby village, how could I save these snakes. They told me these snakes’ lives near trees so, plant trees and they can live there safely. So, I decided to plant as much trees as possible for them. Every day I used to go to the village and ask villagers to give me some seeds or plants to plant trees. When I get some seeds or plants I go to this barren land and plant them. I did this every single day for years especially during season time. My scientist teacher taught me that it is more important to take care of plants to let the grow into a tree. Slowly my plants started turning into trees then a whole new forest. Later the trees started growing by themselves I just need to nurture them and save them from getting cut by people.
Just don’t cut the trees and destroy the nature. It will find its way to grow back. Stop destroying it.
Me: How people reacted?
Jadav Payeng: Earlier I used to plant them alone every day. For initial they thought I am just kid and will stop after some time. Then they started calling me mad, tried to stop me but now they say you are doing a great work. Infact, now there are many people who are supporting me.
Me: How many trees you plant every day?
Jadav Payeng: Today I can plant 100 and 1,000 trees everyday with the help of many people. Mostly we plant them during season time and that’s what everyone should do. Every part of our country has different season time so they should also plant trees during that time only. It will be very good for green India.
Me: How you got the name “Forest Man of India“?
Jadav Payeng: It was when I was first invited to JNU in a conference. There during dinner time all the Professors and Environmental Scientists started calling me the “Forest Man of India“. Later they officially declared me as the “Forest Man of India”.
Me: How people started recognizing you?
Jadav Payeng: It was in 2010 when a local reporter published an article about you in a local newspaper. After that I was invited for different conference in various countries. Later when Modi Government came to power, they said people from different countries are inviting him, and awarding him, and we are unaware about him. So, the government of India gave me Padam Shree award in 2015. During that time Kalam Sir also gave a special message that I still follow. He told me not to go in big-big conferences just to show your face. Go to schools, colleges and educational institutes to teach our coming generation and youth about importance of trees and biodiversity.
Me: How your forest got its name “Molai Forest”?
Jadav Payeng: From the word Molla. It is something to eat that grows in my forest. So, people started calling it Molai Forest. I have not given this name, people have.
Me: Ooo!!! I thought your name is Jadav
Molai Payeng and it has come from your name. Now I got it😁.
We also talked about other stuffs. He showed me his new boat and from where he we can go to his forest. You can see it on my YouTube channel @shrutisfairytales.
His message was very simple and clear “Love nature, it will give you everything you need and you will be fine.”
Taking lots of inspiration from him and good memories with me. I took his blessings and left for my further journey back to Majuli.
I have also made a vlog where I have talked to him and shared some light hearted moments. You can check full vlog here.
Until next time, keep travelling and take care of our Mother Nature.