(Culture & Environment | Current Affairs)

Why in the news?

• Padma Shri awardee and environmentalist Jadav Payeng was conferred the Assam Nakshatra Award 2026 in Tezpur.

Key highlights

• The award was presented at Sahitya Sabha Bhawan, Tezpur during the 10th foundation anniversary of Axomiya Suraksha Manch.
• Jadav Payeng, popularly known as the “Forest Man of India”, was honoured for his lifelong contribution to afforestation and environmental conservation.
• Payeng is globally known for creating a large man-made forest ecosystem known as Molai forest located in Majuli, on a sandbar of the Brahmaputra through decades of individual effort.

Payeng’s key messages

• He expressed concern over rapid environmental degradation in Assam, a state traditionally known for its greenery.
• He urged the government to ensure development without deforestation, stressing that progress should not come at the cost of forests.
• He informed that he has written to the Prime Minister of India regarding forest conservation in Amchang and other regions.
• He appealed to citizens to plant more trees and protect existing forests as a collective responsibility.
• Highlighting cultural dimensions of development, he emphasised the importance of mother-tongue education, stating that teaching children in Assamese supports mental growth and strengthens cultural roots.
• He noted that language, art, and culture are essential pillars of nation-building, alongside economic growth.

Exam hook – 

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Jadav Payeng:

1. He is popularly known as the “Forest Man of India” for creating a man-made forest along the Brahmaputra.
2. He was awarded the Padma Shri for his contribution to environmental conservation.
3. The Assam Nakshatra Award is given exclusively for achievements in literature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (a)

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