Assam Agricultural University (AAU) recently conferred honorary doctorates on Jadav “Forest Man” Payeng and Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, recognizing their tireless efforts in environmental conservation and community-driven ecological activism. The ceremony, held at the university’s Jorhat campus, celebrated not only the individual achievements of these green champions but also the power of grassroots movements to protect nature.
The conferment was part of AAU’s convocation ceremony, where academic excellence met environmental stewardship in a rare and powerful moment of acknowledgment for field-based conservation efforts that often go unsung.
From a Sandbar to a Forest: The Legacy of Jadav Payeng
Jadav Payeng, a humble forest worker turned global environmental icon, has been single-handedly growing a forest on Majuli Island—one of the largest river islands in the world—since 1979. What began as an effort to combat erosion and save local wildlife has now become Molai Forest, a sprawling 1,300-acre green oasis teeming with biodiversity.
Over the decades, Payeng has planted thousands of trees, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that now houses Bengal tigers, elephants, deer, and hundreds of bird species. His story is one of persistence, vision, and deep connection to the land. He has inspired countless others across India and beyond, earning him global recognition, including being featured by the United Nations and National Geographic.
While accepting the honorary doctorate, Payeng humbly stated, “Nature gives us everything, but we have forgotten to give back. I only did what I felt was right—to plant and protect.” His words, spoken with characteristic simplicity, echoed powerfully in a hall filled with academics, students, and environmentalists.
Purnima Devi Barman: The Stork Whisperer
If Payeng is the forest maker, Dr. Purnima Devi Barman is the savior of a species. A wildlife biologist with deep roots in community conservation, Dr. Barman is best known for her groundbreaking work in protecting the Greater Adjutant Stork (locally known as Hargila)—a once-neglected, endangered bird species in Assam.
Through her all-women conservation army, the “Hargila Army,” she turned what was once considered an ugly scavenger bird into a symbol of pride and conservation. Her initiative not only saved the stork’s nesting habitats but also empowered rural women, integrating environmental protection with livelihood and cultural identity.
Dr. Barman’s work has garnered international acclaim, including the Whitley Award (Green Oscar), and her grassroots model of conservation is now being emulated across other parts of India. Receiving the honorary degree, she said, “This recognition is not just for me, but for every woman, every child, and every stork who is part of this movement.”
A Milestone for People-Led Conservation
Assam Agricultural University’s decision to honor Payeng and Barman reflects a broader shift in how environmental action is perceived. For years, grassroots conservationists worked in relative obscurity, despite making significant contributions to biodiversity and climate resilience.
By awarding these doctorates, AAU has sent a clear message: practical knowledge and deep commitment to nature are as valuable as academic credentials. The move also bridges the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and formal scientific research—an important step in addressing today’s complex environmental challenges.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
The convocation became more than an academic ceremony—it was a call to action for the youth. Students, researchers, and faculty listened intently to the life stories of Payeng and Barman, many moved to tears. The university administration encouraged its students to look beyond classrooms and labs, and into fields, rivers, forests, and communities for real-world learning and impact.
In honoring these two champions of nature, Assam Agricultural University not only recognized their past achievements but also affirmed its commitment to sustainability, community participation, and ecological justice.
As the applause echoed through the auditorium, one thing was clear—Jadav Payeng and Purnima Devi Barman have planted more than trees or ideas—they’ve planted hope. And now, with the power of formal recognition behind them, their stories will inspire generations to come