Jadav “Molai” Payeng (born 1963) is a truly inspirational person. An environmental activist and forestry worker from Jorhat, India, Jadav has become known around the world for planting a forest virtually single-handedly, saving the sandbar from eroding away into the river Brahmaputra. In doing so he has turned a wasteland into a natural paradise, a superb contribution to the world that can inspire us to realize we too can make a difference, provided we work hard and stick to our goals.
He planted the first tree here in 1979, and today the area is larger than New York’s celebrated Central Park. The “Molai Forest”, which covers an area of 1,360 acres (550 hectares), is now home to Bengal tigers, Indian rhinos, deer, rabbits, apes, birds, vultures, and around 100 elephants who visit for six months every year.
Jadav’s success has touched many people. After his achievement had first become known to authorities in 2008 (he never publicized his work), he was awarded India’s fourth highest civic honor. Several documentaries have been made to help spread the word about Payeng’s activity including the 2013 film Forest Man. His story has also been made into a wonderful children’s book called Jadav and the Tree-Place.
Bonus: Jadav "Molai" Payeng’s Mission in His Own Words
Cover image source
ULTRA HD VIDEO: The Most Beautiful Birds on the Planet
Marvel at the beauty of the birds on our planet in this stunning ultra HD video.
Amazing Africa: Join Us in This Unforgettable Wild Safari
Take a trip to the magical Amboseli National Park in Kenya and meet wild elephants and zebras up close.
This Underwater Bullet Train Will Be One of a Kind
India is set to develop it's first underwater bullet train project that is believed to be one of a kind.
This Baby Hippo Can't Stop Teasing a Crocodile
A young hippo wanted a playing partner. And it chose a grumpy crocodile...
Why Is India Against Building Skyscrapers?
his video reveals the rule that is keeping India from building more high-rise buildings. Find out what it is.
Hilarious! Baby Squirrel Freezes When Given a Fresh Snack
This person let's this adorable little baby squirrel enjoy some fresh seeds, and its reaction is absolutely priceless!!
115 Incredible Facts You Never Knew About Cats!
Cats are the most popular animal on the internet by far, so we made this extensive list of cat facts that will turn you into a feline expert!
These Archaeological Finds Reveal Incredible Stories
These latest excavations and fascinating finds will fascinate you.
17 Fascinating Facts That You Probably Didn't Know
17 tidbits of information that you probably didn't know and will probably surprise you.
7 Ancient Buildings That Have Survived the Test of Time
Here is a look at some wonderful ancient structures that have survived the test of time.
13 People Who Proved that Age is Nothing But a Number
If you think that celebrating your golden jubilee means you're past your prime, then these 13 people have something to teach you...
12 Juicy Facts You Probably Don't Know About Grapes
Did you know grapes are actually berries? Find out more juicy facts about grapes in this article.
When an Ancient Egyptian Tomb Was Opened, This Was Inside
Finding Tutankhamun's tomb was one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history. These recolored photos capture those incredible days.
These War Machines Were Truly One-of-a-Kind
It’s crazy to think these war weapons actually existed.
Rare Interesting Historical Photos That are Must-See
You won’t find these rare photos in your history books.
13 Quirky Vintage Inventions That Should Be Brought Back
Check out these cool and quirky vintage inventions that could be useful to many of us today!
Benjamin Franklin's Wisdom Has Echoed Throughout the Ages
In addition to being one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin left many a thought to ponder. Here are 15 of his most famous quotes.
Learn the History Behind These Commonly Used Phrases
Do you know the origins of these 10 phrases?
WATCH: This Is One Free Gift That Everybody Yearns For
If there's one thing you can do to provide solace, comfort, and love to someone else, it's by cuddling them. Watch this video for more about wonderful hugging.
The Precious World of Jewelry: Art, Care and Tips
Admire a world of jewelry, from the most creative, to the most valuable and the most expensive, learning a few handy tips in the meantime...
Mark Twain Really Had a Way With Words
These great quotes from Mark Twain are all-time classics, and worth remembering.
Through the Lens of Time: 20 Rare Historical Photos
These amazing historical photos shed light on some rarely-seen events of the past.
50 Unknown Facts About Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile
Cleopatra is one of the most fascinating figures from history. And there’s still so many things about her you don’t know yet.
If You Like Greek Mythology, Don’t Miss These Movies!
If you’re interested in Greek mythology, then make sure you check out these amazing films.
This Project Gets Thousands of Disabled Children Mobile Again
This project may give thousands of physically impaired children the ability to move around again.
Learn How to Perform These Famous Magic Tricks at Home!
Magic tricks aren't always as tricky as they seem. In fact, you can learn how to perform some of the famous ones at home...
These 24 Fascinating Photographs Will Surprise & Amaze You
Here are 24 of the most amazing and surprising photographs ever seen on the internet!
Her Mom With Alzheimer's Didn't Recognize Her, Until...
A loving daughter experiences a moment she thought she'd never have again.
10 of the Most Interesting Popes in History
The papacy has been ongoing ever since the time of St. Peter, but some popes stand out as being more historically significant than others. Take a look.
15 Jaw-Dropping Facts You'll Find Hard to Believe!
Want to find out who really built the pyramids, or how many teeth a snail has? Here are 15 of the most unbelievable yet true facts.
12 of the Most Inexplicably Weird Things Ever Discovered
In the world, a lot of discoveries often raise more questions than they answer. Here are 12 of the most inexplicably weird things and places ever found.
20 Stunning Photos That'll Bring Happiness to Your Day
without saying anything, here are 20 photos that say a thousand words.
13 of Napoleon Bonaparte's Most Famous Quotes
In this post, you'll find 13 of the French Emperor's most famous quotes, as well as more biographical information about the famous conqueror as you scroll down.
You Won't Believe What This Man Built in His Back Yard...
This man has created something amazing at his home that has immediately become my dream.
5 Famous Shipwrecks and Their Unbelievable Stories
Some unreal stories about what lies deep below the seas.
A House Locked Away for a Century. What Was Found Inside?
Sealed for a century, this house was just reopened, and with it a window to another place and time.
The English Samurai: The True History Behind 'Shogun'
In this article, we will look at the TRUE history behind the celebrated book Shogun.
History Lesson: How Japan Met Europe for the First Time
This video delves into the fascinating story of how the Portuguese and Japanese of the 16th century met, two distinct worlds, exploring the initial contact.
These Specialized Tools Have the Most Unique Uses
These specialized tools have the most unusual uses.
Romeo & Juliet Ballet: A Timeless Tale of Love and Tragedy
Watch the famous balcony scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in a captivating ballet duet.
18 Films That Remind Us How Brutal Winter Can Be
Winter isn’t as cozy as you might think. These cold-weather survival movies will make you long for summer days.
When Animals Go Rogue: True Tales of Man-Eating Animals
Throughout history, many animals have turned into deadly man-eaters. Here’s a list of the most intense books on the subject.
How 10 Ordinary English Idioms and Phrases Began...
Many English phrases and idioms have fascinating histories behind them, here is a selection of 10 astounding examples.
The Eerie, Spiritual, and Sometimes Fun History of Masks
Let’s get to know some of the most famous masks in history and the civilizations that created them.
18 Unlikely But True Facts That Will Get You Thinking
The saying truth is stranger than fiction is all too true when you read these incredible facts. #2 had me grabbing for my calculator.
Travel History With These Amazing Photos of Yesteryear
Amazing photos reveal 150 years of history.
A Look into Ancient Greece Like You've Never Seen Before
What can interior design and fashion trends tell us about a culture? A lot more than you think.