Jadav “Molai” Peyeng has been planting trees since 1979 to save the Majuli Island, which is home to over 150,000 people.
This island in Northeast India has shrunk down to half its size due to rapidly increasing erosion. Jadav knew he’d to do something before it’s too late to save the island and the people and animals living in it.
This man is truly a hero.
He’s been planting an entire forest larger than New York’s Central Park.
He knew that the roots of the trees will prevent erosion. So Jadav planted thousands of trees and plants, including 300 hectares of bamboo.
It’s a beautiful lush oasis of 1,360 acres. The forest is now home for Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, deers, rabbits, apes, and birds.
A herd of 100 elephants also visits the forest every year. They stay here for 6 months and have given birth to 10 calves in recent years.
Watch his wonderful story below.
(Credit: William D McMaster)
The filmmaker William Douglas McMaster directed and wrote the inspiring documentary “Forest Man.” It garnered Best Documentary at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
Jadav “Molai” Peyeng is a great inspiration to all of us. He’s an amazing hero the world needs right now.