Guwahati: Jadav Payeng, the celebrated environmentalist known globally as the ‘Forest Man of India,’ has unveiled a profound proposal to honor the iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg: planting a new forest in his memory. The Padma Shri awardee, famous for single-handedly cultivating a forest on the river island of Majuli, pitched the idea as a lasting tribute that echoes both Garg’s love for the land and the need for environmental conservation.
Speaking about the initiative, Payeng stated that the singer possessed a deep, inherent love for the natural world. “Zubeen loved nature deeply. He sang for the land, the rivers, and the people of Assam,” Payeng told reporters. He characterized the proposed forest as a living, breathing memorial that would embody the artist’s spirit. The initiative, fittingly titled, “Let’s Grow Green for Zubeen,” aims to not only memorialize the singer’s deep connection to the environment but also to motivate younger generations toward ecological stewardship.
Payeng envisions the project as a massive, community-driven effort. He issued a poignant call to action, suggesting, “If every fan plants one tree for Zubeen, we can build a forest that will keep his soul alive forever.” The proposition has already resonated emotionally across Assam, with numerous fans quickly sharing intentions to organize and participate in local tree-planting drives as a personal homage to the beloved singer.
