The man who planted a forest.
Jadav Payeng |
TEDxIIMAmritsar
• September 2018
"Majuli in Assam, India is not only constructed as the world’s largest river island. It also entails one of the most illustrious and terrific saga of human determination, courage and tenacity. The Dunkirk spirit of our “Forest man of India”- Jadav Payeng has transcended all the clutches of limitation. Alarmed by the formidable devastation caused to the land after bouts of extreme floods and droughts, in 1979, he tightened his bridles and with firm commitment made the resolution- he would plant a sapling in the barren soil every day for the foreseeable future and now 39 years on, his woodland cover 1390 acres. Central part in New York measures- 840 acres. His aim is to count the forest land up to 5000 acres.
The selfless, magnificent endeavours came to light in the autumn of 2007, when he was accidently discovered seeding his forest by photo journalist - Jitu Kalita. His work has set a global footprints and in 2015 – he was honoured with Padma Shree Civilian award. The sheer level of passion, gusto and attachment towards the healthy mix foliage can be gauged from his statement.
“Cut me before you cut my trees”
The indefatigable and inexorable attitude drives him to his family – the flora and fauna of Majuli in 3AM every day. He says with a husky voice under the smeltering sun – I’ll plant till by last breadth."