🌱 The Incredible Journey of Jadav Payeng
In 1979, Jadav “Molai” Payeng, a simple man from Assam’s Majuli Island, India, started a remarkable journey. After witnessing death of a large number of reptiles due to lack of a tree cover, he decided to make a change.
Single-handedly, he transformed a washed-out land into a sprawling forest reserve. Since then, he planted trees every single day for 37 years, turning a barren sandbar into a lush, 550-hectare forest.
💡 Endearing Impact
Today, his forest, known as the Molai woods, is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, and over 100 deer and rabbits. The forest also houses more than 100 species of birds and several varieties of trees.
His commitment to nature earned him the title of ‘Forest Man of India’ and the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Indian government in 2015.
📍 The Bigger Picture
Payeng’s extraordinary effort is a beacon of hope in today’s environmental crisis. His life serves as an inspiring story of one man’s dedication to nature and the huge difference one individual can make.
🙌 The Takeaway
Payeng’s work is a clear demonstration that it’s never too late to contribute to nature’s preservation and restoration. His story can inspire us all to take action, even if it’s just planting a single tree.
Source: BBC