🌱 The Beginning
In 1979, a 16-year-old boy named Jadav Payeng witnessed a devastating flood in his native Majuli, Assam, India. He saw hundreds of snakes washed ashore, dying due to lack of shade. Saddened by the sight, Jadav planted bamboo saplings in an effort to prevent similar disasters. What started out as a small initiative turned into a lifelong mission. Now, after 40 years, Jadav has single-handedly planted a forest larger than Central Park in New York City.
💡 Impact
Today, the Molai Forest, named after Jadav ‘Molai’ Payeng, spans over 1,360 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife including tigers, rhinoceros, and several species of birds. The forest has not only restored the local ecosystem but also helps to prevent soil erosion and floods.
📍 The Bigger Picture
Jadav’s dedication to nature serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one individual can make. He has been recognized globally and has received several awards for his dedication to the environment.
- Jadav was honored with India’s fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2015.
- His story has been captured in the documentary ‘Forest Man’ which won the Best Documentary award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014.
Jadav Payeng continues to plant trees every day, inspiring people around the world to take action for the environment. As Jadav says, ‘If every school student plants two trees, India will be much greener.’ source