The Man Who Grew a 1,360-Acre Forest by Hand
Jadav Payeng planted trees every day for 40 years and built a forest larger than Central Park — proving that one person can change the world.
Known as the “Forest Man of India,” Jadav Payeng planted a tree every single day for decades to restore his homeland. What he built is nothing short of miraculous—a forest larger than New York City’s Central Park.
This forest, now called Molai Forest, spans 1,360 acres in the heart of Assam, where the mighty Brahmaputra River snakes through the land and serves a dual purpose—it provides a habitat for wildlife and protects local communities from erosion and climate impacts. The once-barren land is now a thriving ecosystem, proving that dedication and persistence can move mountains—or in this case, grow a forest.
Years ago, I read about Jadav Payeng, humble farmer from the indigenous Mising tribe of Assam, transformed a barren wasteland into a thriving forest reserve and never forgot how one man bring change. His journey towards conservation began in childhood, when he met an agricultural scientist who unknowingly set him on his life’s path. The scientist would hand him saplings of paan leaves to plant, along with a small token price. With that small amount, Jadav enjoyed groundnuts, a simple reward that delighted the young boy.
One day, the scientist held Jadav’s hand and shared a profound message: “Plant trees, and they will care for all of us.” Those words stayed with Jadav.
A Vision Born from Loss
As a teenager, in 1979, he witnessed a heartbreaking sight—a pile of dead snakes lying on a sandbar, perished under the scorching sun due to the lack of shade. This moment deeply affected him. “If the snakes are dying, one day humans will die like this too,” he thought. Honouring the wisdom he had received from the scientist, he took action and began planting bamboo saplings, and watering them by hand.
What started as a small bamboo grove grew into something much larger. Over the years, he planted a diverse array of trees, allowing nature to take its course. Birds carried seeds, winds scattered pollen, and soon, the barren land was reborn as a dense forest, now home to tigers, elephants, deer, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species.
A Man of the Land, A Keeper of the Forest
Every day, Payeng follows the same routine. Rising before dawn, he paddles across the river, cycles to his farm, and walks two miles through his self-made jungle, tending to his trees and crops. He does this without fanfare, without government support, and without waiting for permission. He simply acts.
Despite facing skepticism from villagers who once called him “crazy,” Payeng remained steadfast in his mission. Today, scientists, conservationists, and government officials visit Molai Forest to study what he has accomplished.
No Permission Needed to Change the World
One of the most powerful lessons from Payeng’s story is that change does not require permission. He didn’t wait for funding, government approval, or validation. He acted on his convictions. This mindset is what has allowed him to turn a lifeless sandbar into a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem.
For his tireless work, Payeng has been recognized with India’s prestigious Padma Shri award, among other honors. But awards mean little to him. His true reward is watching the forest thrive, seeing elephants return, hearing the calls of birds, and knowing that he has created something enduring for future generations.
“I see God in nature,” he says. “Nature is God. As long as it survives, I survive.”
His story is a reminder that change begins with one person, one small action, and an unshakable belief in a cause. We do not need grand resources to make a difference—we need only the courage to start.
What if one person could bring a forest to life? Jadav Payeng did just that — planting a tree every day for decades, turning empty land into a lush sanctuary for wildlife. His story is a testament to how quiet determination and love for nature can transform the world. Discover the inspiring journey of a man who proved that even the smallest actions, done consistently, can grow into something extraordinary.
