HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Nov 10: Making a clarion call to the global community, the internationally admired naturalist and ‘Forest Man of India’, Jadav Payeng, urged everyone to prioritise greenery over other routine activities in life for the sake of ecological balance and the survival of humans and other animals worldwide. Addressing a large gathering during the open session of the three-day-long golden jubilee celebration of Ulubari High School under the Dhekiajuli LAC in Sonitpur District, which concluded on Saturday, the renowned environmental activist shared his journey from creating his self-made ‘Molai Forest’ in Majuli with a mission to see a greener world, supported by the global community. Over several decades, he has transformed a sandbar on the Brahmaputra River into a forest reserve by planting and tending trees.
A recipient of the Padma Shri for his relentless work in nature conservation, Payeng said, “In 1979, I encountered a large number of snakes that had died from excessive heat after floods washed them onto the treeless sandbar, prompting me to plant bamboo seedlings and continue planting more trees to turn the area into a forest. This forest later became a safe haven for wildlife such as the Bengal tiger, rhinoceros, deer, and other animals.”
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The humble environmental activist, who has traveled extensively to participate in various environmental conclaves, further expressed concerns about the growing global warming crisis, noting that without greenery or a balanced ecological environment, humanity may not survive in the coming days. “However, I am still hopeful that there are still enough trees in our country and the potential to increase their numbers. In this regard, India sets a good example for other nations. I am thankful to the Indian government for framing the National Education Policy (NEP) through the HRD Ministry, with a special focus on environmental issues, which will encourage students to take responsibility for preserving nature,” he said. He added that India is currently engaged in a serious mission called ‘Green India’, which has already reached several parts of the country, and by January 2025, it will begin in Sonitpur as well.
At the program, another distinguished personality, noted litterateur Dr Nanda Singh Borkola, who participated as the event’s appointed speaker, emphasised the prosperity of the language, culture, and heritage of the Assamese nation. He spoke about the communal harmony among the Assamese people and other ethnic communities in the region and urged all to foster a respectful environment among all communities.
The session was presided over by noted social worker and reception committee president Prafulla Rabha and conducted by the school head, Nalini Kanta Boro. It was also graced by several other notable personalities, including prominent lawyer Iskey Alam, Rabin Boro from Guwahati All India Radio (AIR), Bijoy Kandulana, KK Deka, DPO, Sonitpur, Keshab Chandra Borah, social worker Biswajit Boro, and headmistress of Khelmati High School Janmoni Devi, among others.
During the program, principal of LOKD College, Sukdev Adhikari, released the souvenir ‘Subarna Prabha’, edited by Bablu Kalita and Rakesh Kumar Boro. The three-day event featured a number of memorable moments.
