Life & Legacy
Deeply affected, he took it upon himself to plant one tree every single day. Without any help or support, Jadav continued planting trees for over 40 years. Today, his work has created a dense forest called "Molai Forest" which covers more than 1,300 acres. This forest is now home to many animals like elephants, deer, tigers, birds, and more.
Jadav Payeng’s selfless mission to save the environment has brought global attention. His forest is now home to tigers, elephants, deer, birds, and other species, turning an empty sandbar into a thriving ecosystem. His work has been recognized by the Government of India, environmental organizations, and filmmakers worldwide.
In 2015, he was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his outstanding contribution to forest conservation and environmental awareness.
Jadav Payeng's life proves that a single person can make a huge difference. He continues to educate youth and communities on the importance of planting trees, protecting wildlife, and living in harmony with nature.