Introduction
- This is a real story about Jadav Payeng, a man who planted a forest.
- He lived in Assam, near the Brahmaputra River.
- He started planting trees in 1979 and turned a dry land into a green forest.
- People call him “The Forest Man of India.”
Who is Jadav Payeng?
- He is a nature lover who wanted to save the environment.
- He was 16 years old when he started planting trees.
- His nickname is Molai, and the forest he created is called Molai Forest.
Why Did Jadav Start Planting Trees?
- In 1979, he saw many dead snakes on the dry land after a flood.
- The snakes died because there were no trees for shade.
- He felt sad and decided to grow trees to bring back life to the land.
How Did Jadav Create a Forest?
- He first planted bamboo trees because they grow fast.
- The Forest Department gave him some plants but later stopped helping.
- He continued planting trees alone for many years.
- He brought ants and grass to make the soil healthy.
- Slowly, the area became a big green forest.
What Happened to the Forest?
- Birds, insects, and animals started coming back.
- Animals like deer, apes, rhinos, and even tigers lived there.
- Elephants also visited the forest, which showed it was full of life.
Problems Jadav Faced
- He worked alone for many years.
- Poachers (illegal hunters) came to cut trees and kill animals.
- Villagers were angry because elephants from the forest destroyed their farms and houses.
- Even Molai’s own house was destroyed, but he did not stop.
How Did People Know About Him?
- In 2007, a photographer found his forest and shared his story.
- His story appeared in newspapers and on TV.
- People started respecting him for his great work.
Awards Jadav Payeng Received
- In 2015, the Indian Government gave him the Padma Shri award.
- Many environmental groups and universities honored him.
- Today, he teaches people to plant trees and protect nature.
Important Words and Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Forest | A big area with many trees |
| Environmentalist | A person who protects nature |
| Sandbar | A small sandy area in a river |
| Shade | A cool place under a tree |
| Poachers | People who hunt animals or cut trees illegally |
| Fertile | Good soil for growing plants |
| Recognition | Getting respect for great work |
What We Learn from Jadav Payeng’s Story
1. One person can make a big change in the world.
2. We should protect trees and plant more forests.
3. Hard work and patience bring success.
4. Forests help animals and humans survive.
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