Before we read about The Forest Man of India, let us understand the effects of deforestation. This will help us understand why Jadav's act is immensely valuable. The story has touched millions and thus is a story I want to share with you all! This man has inspired millions to see life beyond what it has given us and do little by little to reciprocate the creations of the universe! Before diving into the story, here are few points i would want to bring out effects of Deforestation in the article:

70% of land animals and plant species live in forests. the loss of animal and plant species due to their loss of habitat.

Healthy forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The lack of trees also allows a greater amount of greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere.

The trees also help control the level of water in the atmosphere by helping to regulate the water cycle. In deforested areas, there is less water in the air to be returned to the soil. This then causes dryer soil and the inability to grow crops.

Without forests, the soil erodes and washes away, causing farmers to move on and perpetuate the cycle. The barren land which is left behind in the wake of these unsustainable agricultural practices is then more susceptible to flooding.

The indigenous communities who live there and depend on the forest to sustain their way of life are also under threat. The loss of forests has an immediate and direct effect on their lifestyle.

Let us know about Jadav Payeng

Jadav Payeng belongs to the Missing tribe in Assam, India. The Brahmaputra flows by his place. At 16, Jadav once says a lot of snakes lying dead on a small isolated island of Brahmaputra. Jadav asked the reason to his elders who replied that it is because there were no trees on the island that the snakes could not save them. Jadav spoke to the forest department on it. As it was barren land, they could not do anything and suggested Jadav try planting bamboo trees there. Here starts the journey of the ‘Forest Man of India’!

Jadav started his journey with 25 saplings and some seeds too from the nearby tribal community. In 35 years, he turned Majuli, the world’s largest river island into a 550 hectares forest that is being visited by people across the globe, more than 120 species of birds, including migratory ones; and elephants, rhinos, deer, rabbits, and Bengal tigers. Jadav single-handedly did that. Till now he visits the island daily to plant trees. The forest has been named after Jadav as The Molai Forest.

Payeng’s worst fear for his forest is humans who destroy forests for financial gain, which makes the flora and fauna vulnerable to their greed. He believes all species on this planet are animals, including humans, only humans wear clothes. But what humans don’t realize is that frugality and honoring nature are key to our survival. Jadav notes how humans tend to consume everything until nothing is left.