🌱 Who is Jadav Payeng?
Jadav “Molai” Payeng is an environmental activist and forestry worker from Jorhat, India. Born in 1963, Payeng single-handedly planted an entire forest on a 550-hectare sandbar in the middle of the Brahmaputra River.
💡 His Journey
It all started in 1979 when Payeng, just 16, encountered a large number of snakes that had died due to excessive heat after floods washed them onto the tree-less sandbar. He approached the local forest department for help but they said nothing could be done. Not one to give up, Payeng started planting seeds himself. His efforts blossomed into a sprawling forest, which came to be known as the Molai Forest, teeming with diverse wildlife including tigers, rhinoceros, and several species of birds.
📍 The Bigger Picture
This miracle didn’t happen overnight. Payeng has dedicated his life to the upkeep and growth of the forest. His selfless dedication to Mother Nature serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of one individual’s effort to bring about a significant change.
- 1979: Jadav Payeng starts planting trees
- Today: The Molai Forest spans over 550 hectares
Payeng’s story reminds us that every single effort counts when it comes to protecting our planet. His enduring love for nature should motivate us all to do our bit for the environment, no matter how small. As citizens of the world, it’s our responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit a green and healthy planet.
Read more about Jadav Payeng’s inspiring journey here.