Since 1979, Jadav Payeng has been single-handedly planting a forest. It is now larger than Central Park. He has taken a desert wasteland and turned it into a lush area that has become home to a variety of animals including elephants and tigers. Approaching the forest is like looking at the skyline of a city and you could make that connection, considering they’re both man-made.
This video is beautiful and comprehensive:
Kudos to Mr. Payeng for showing us, among other things, what one person can do in the world; what a difference one life can make. His work embodies this papal message:
“We are all responsible for the protection and care of the environment. This responsibility knows no boundaries. In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity it is important for everyone to be committed at his or her proper level, working to overcome the prevalence of particular interests.” –Pope Benedict XVI, Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace, January 1, 2010
And today we celebrate...