🌳 *Forest Man of India*🌳
Jadav Payeng was born in 1963 into the Mishing tribe on Majuli, the world’s largest river island, situated in the Brahmaputra River. Life on the island was deeply intertwined with nature, but recurring floods and erosion threatened its ecological balance.
In 1979, at the age of 16, Payeng encountered a heart-wrenching sight: hundreds of snakes had died on the sandy banks of the Brahmaputra after floods washed them ashore. This event spurred him into action. He recalls,
_"The snakes died in the heat, without any tree cover. I sat down and wept over their lifeless forms. It was carnage. I alerted the forest department and asked them to grow trees there. They told me nothing would grow there and suggested I try growing bamboo. It was painful, but I did it."_
He began planting bamboo saplings and later expanded to other trees. This effort turned into a lifelong mission.
*Molai Forest*
The barren sandbar where he began his work is now a lush forest known as Molai Forest, covering over *1,360 acres*. Payeng planted and nurtured trees daily, creating a thriving ecosystem home to Bengal tigers, elephants, deer, rhinoceroses, vultures, and hundreds of bird species. The forest also stabilizes the soil and reduces the impact of floods.
Payeng's work faced significant challenges: Initially, his efforts were solitary, with little support or recognition. Illegal logging and encroachment posed a threat to the forest he had planted. Despite these hurdles, he persevered, often saying, _"If people cut down trees, I plant more. If they cut again, I plant again. I will keep doing this until I die."_
For decades, Payeng's work went unnoticed until a journalist, Jitu Kalita, documented his story in 2007. The media attention brought accolades and the nickname *Forest Man of India*. In 2015, he received the *Padma Shri*, one of India’s highest civilian honors.
Payeng emphasizes the role of ordinary people in protecting the environment:
_"Nature is God. It gives us everything we need. We must protect it for future generations. If one individual can restore forests, imagine what we can all achieve together."_
Payeng continues his afforestation work and educates communities about conservation. He collaborates with organizations to promote sustainable practices and inspire global reforestation efforts.
Jadav Payeng's life is a symbol of hope, demonstrating how dedication and love for nature can transform the world. His story has inspired documentaries, including "The Forest Man", and has motivated countless individuals to act against deforestation and climate change.