Meet Jadav Payeng: The Forest Man of India Who Planted an Entire Jungle Alone

In a world where deforestation and environmental destruction dominate headlines, the inspiring story of Jadav Payeng — fondly known as “The Forest Man of India” — stands as a shining example of what one determined individual can achieve in harmony with nature.

Born in 1963 in the humble Mishing tribe of Assam’s Majuli — the world’s largest river island — Jadav Payeng witnessed the devastating effects of erosion and deforestation from an early age. The turning point of his life came in 1979, when as a young teenager, he saw countless snakes lying dead on the sandbars of the Brahmaputra River due to scorching heat and lack of shelter.

This haunting sight moved him deeply. While others moved on, Jadav Payeng decided to act.

Without government help, without advanced tools, and with no expectations of recognition, Jadav started planting bamboo saplings on the barren sandbar. Day after day, year after year, his passion grew stronger. Slowly, his green patch expanded, attracting birds, insects, and wildlife.

Today, more than four decades later, that barren land has transformed into a lush green forest covering over 1,360 acres — larger than New York’s Central Park. This green paradise is now called Molai Forest — named after Payeng’s nickname “Molai.”

Molai Forest is now home to diverse species of animals — deer, rabbits, birds, monkeys, and even tigers and elephants occasionally visit this green haven. Remarkably, Payeng not only planted the forest but also protected it from poachers, floods, and human encroachment.

He once said in an interview — “Nature has given us everything. It is our duty to protect her.”

Jadav Payeng’s extraordinary efforts were finally recognized globally. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri — one of India’s highest civilian honors. Environmentalists across the world salute him as a living symbol of dedication and love for nature.

Documentaries, books, and international talks have been created about him, yet he remains a humble man, still living near his forest, continuing his silent battle for the environment.

At a time when the world debates climate change in conference rooms, Jadav Payeng quietly reminds us that real change begins with action — even if it’s just one tree at a time.