“When we recognize the virtues, the talent, the beauty of Mother Earth, something is born in us, some kind of connection – love is born. We want to be connected. That is the meaning of love, to be at one … You would do anything for the benefit of the Earth, and the Earth will do anything for your well-being.”
Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen teacher, in Spiritual Ecology
The island of Majuli, on the river Brahmaputra in the extreme northeast of India) was in very serious danger due to erosion. However, one man saved his island – simply by planting trees, with his bare hands, every single day!
Protecting the island against erosion is only possible by planting trees, as their roots significantly enhance soil cohesion. Since Jadav Payeng had no tools, he dug holes in the soil with simple wooden sticks and planted seeds gathered on the island, and he did this every single day … since 1979! Today his forest is bigger than Central Park, which covers 843 acres, and welcomes elephants, tigers, rhinos, vultures, species which probably would not be there had it not been for Jadav.
A documentary was made to highlight his extraordinary initiative and personal involvement in saving his island, an endeavor that was of no personal benefit to him other that protecting his environment. Jadav is a humble man, of astonishing modesty considering what he accomplished, bare-handed, all by himself, passionately: creating a forest!
His is an example of Man’s ability to accomplish great things, with no technological means, simply by being willing to do it. Here is to Jadav, one of the planet’s heroes!
Click on the link to see the documentary on Jadav and his story, in English with Spanish subtitles) http://www.abc-bonheur.fr/actu-positive/L-Indien-qui-plantait-des-arbres-pour-sauver-son-ile-7.html
