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
True Wealth Isn't Measured by Bank Accounts...
Despite the relentless push by everything around us to convince us of the merits of materialism, true wealth is markedly different. Enjoy this video.
This Male Kangaroo Loves to Flex His Muscles at the Ladies
Meet the buff male kangaroo who woos ladies with his lean and mean figure...
Meet the 18 Most Bizarre Animals of the Amazon Rainforest
Many mysterious creatures lurk in the Amazon rainforests. Here's a look a few of them.
Journey into the Lion Kingdom With Their Fiercest Protector
An amazing video that takes you for a closer look at the heart of the lion kingdom.
7 Things Your Kids Will Never Ever Forget About You
The impression you made on your children and grandchildren is something that they will always love you for. They will never let go of those sweet memories.
Hybrid Animals Are Becoming More Common. But Why?
Experts believe we are entering a new era of hybrid animals. But what is the benefit of animals mating across species lines? What pushes animals to do so?
If You Want a Smile, This Video Will Give it To You!
Watch this video to add some sugar to your day.
History: When Napoleon Was Defeated By an Army of Bunnies
The greatest defeat of Napoleon wasn't Waterloo... It was against a bunch of bunnies.
The 10 Most Powerful Regrets People Have at the End
What are the 10 biggest regrets people have at the end of their days? Find out the truth...
Incredible History: Looking Through 21 Fascinating Photos
Enjoy this collection of historical pictures.
Looking Back at the CRAZIEST World Records of 2022
2022’s Guinness World Records will make you wonder if they are for real.
Do You Remember the Moments That Defined the 1960s?
The 1960s were a hugely important decade, setting the tone for the next 50 years that succeeded then. Here are 10 of the things that defined the decade.
Amazing! 7 Facts That Have Changed Since Your School Days!
Over time, facts we consider to be completely true can change. Here are 7 facts that have changed since your school days.
Where Did These Common Sayings Come From? Fascinating!
You're probably aware of these common sayings, but where did they originate from? Fascinating!
This Is One of The Most Beautiful Duets I've Ever Seen
Watch this mesmerizing duet from 1981 featuring Donovan and Crystal Gayle. This live performance is their rendition of the classic 60s song ‘Catch the Wind’
After Reading This, You'll Want to Move to Finland!
This article takes a look at how the Finnish government makes ordinary life extremely comfortable for its citizens.
This Amazing Maze Has Taken the Internet By Storm!
Watch this intriguing video which features a maze of marbles and magnets.
These American History “Facts” Are Actually False
We’ve all believed these American history “facts” at some point.
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.
Smart Synonyms for 16 Words That Will Elevate Your Speech
Sound smarter and enrich your lexicon with these 16 clever alternatives to ordinary English words
Mark Twain's Tips For a Better Kind of Life...
Mark Twain was not only a talented writer but a man of wise, witty words. Here are 12 of his best quotes.
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...
Can You Spot the Camouflaged Creatures in These Photos?
These wonderful animals have gone into hiding. Can you find them? If not, just click on the photo to reveal all!
8 Infamous Crimes That Left a Mark on History
These true crime stories became so sensational that they changed the culture and went to be remembered in history.
22 Old Photos That Really Make History Come Alive
Looking through these old black and white photos you can really learn a lot about history and the world. These 22 photos generates that mind-blowing spark and teaches you something new.
I Can’t Get Over These Astonishing Magic Tricks!
Enjoy this magical compilation of astonishing performances by illusionist Darcy Oake.
1 Day in Pompeii: Experience That Fateful Day!
One day in 79 AD the city of Pompeii was tragically destroyed by an extraordinary volcanic eruption. This video shows you just how the scene would have unfolded.
8 Books That Predicted the Future With Strange Accuracy
It always feels eerie when the future is predicted correctly and it turns out literature is full of such accurate forecasts. These 8 novels were particularly spot on.
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.
How Far Back in Time Could You Go and Still Understand English?
Languages are born, change, and die. English, we presume, is no exception. So how far back in time could you go and still understand anything...?
7 Fairy Tales That Are Popular to This Very Day!
The best fairy tales are those that are timeless and yet forever modern, tapping into our wildly shared emotions and moral attitudes. Here are 7 of the best!
These Native American Achievements Are Truly Outstanding!
Read all about ten of the greatest achievements that the Native Americans made before the arrival of Europeans
You Won’t Find Maps Like These in Geography Textbooks!
Explore this collection of 20 new and updated maps on a variety of fascinating subjects!
17 Fascinating Facts That You Probably Didn't Know
17 tidbits of information that you probably didn't know and will probably surprise you.
These Old Photos Show a Fascinating Side of History
Each one of these remarkable photos tells a story of bygone history. See how much the world has changed with scenes of both famous faces, events and everyday moments.
An Unforgettable a Cappella Rendition of 'Stand By Me'
Enjoy this unforgettable rendition of the timeless song "Stand By Me" by the Buzztones, a UK-based a cappella group.
The Full Story of Amelia Earhart and the Nikumaroro Bones
What happened to Amelia Earhart has always remained a mystery, however a new study has now almost certainly established exactly what did.
Icy Photos Prove That Winter Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Here are 14 things that only occur in the winter. Check them out!
Your Cat Isn't Weird, It's Just Trying to Say Something
Many cat behaviors have human equivalents, however we often have problems interpreting them. Thanks to this handy guide, you will not anymore!
'What a Wonderful World' Like You've Never Heard Before!
Listen to this hauntingly beautiful cover of the classic song “What a Wonderful World”.
A Few Things We Bet You Never Knew About the USA!
The USA is an enormous and diverse place, but when you look at it from a numerical point of view, things get even more curious. Take a look.
What a Mesmerizingly Beautiful Blooming Flowers Timelapse!
It took one photographer 9 months to record the images for this mesmerizing timelapse film. Watch flowers bloom like never before.
Incredible Photos of Veterans from the Napoleonic Wars
Take a look at these incredible and only photos of veterans during the Napoleonic war.
1950s Debunked: Correcting Misconceptions About the Era
The 1950s may not have been as idyllic as we have been made to believe.
20 Astounding Facts That Will Skew Your Perception of Time
These 20 mind-bending facts will show you just how warped your perception of time really is. Enjoy!
8 Little-Known Wars Rarely Found in History Books
Today, let’s talk about some of the weirdest and little-known wars from history.
Rare Celebrity Pics from the '90s You Haven't Seen Before
These celebrity photos from the 1990s will make you nostalgic.