majoliX.com
"“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
- Leonardo Da Vinci
"majoliX": The Genesis
"majoliX" is inspired from the name"Majoli" (or Majuli), the largest riverine island of the world, and from the seminal work done in this unique island by the "Forest Man of India" (more details below). This tantalisingly beautiful island on the mighty "Brahmaputra" river of Assam in the north-eastern part of India is the epitome of creativity, excellence, beauty and character - the same ethos that drive every product and services of majoliX. The "X" in majoliX represents the "multiplication" of productivity of human and human enterprises.
The Unique Island of Majoli
Majoli holds the distinction of being the largest river island in the world (Guinness Book of World Records). Its size varies depending on the season and the flow of the Brahmaputra River, but it spans several hundred square kilometers.
Majoli is considered the "Cultural Capital" of Assamese Indian civilisation. It is home to numerous Vaishnavite monasteries called Satras, which are centers for art, dance, music, and spirituality. These Satras have preserved traditional Assamese cultural practices for centuries.
Majoli is known for its traditional craftsmanship including pottery, handloom weaving, and mask-making. These crafts are integral to the island's cultural identity and are often practiced within the Satras.
The island boasts a rich ecological diversity with unique flora and fauna. It serves as an important habitat for several endangered and migratory bird species, including the greater adjutant stork and the white-winged wood duck. Due to its unique location in the Brahmaputra River and erosion, Majoli's landscape changes dramatically in its annual monsoon floods, constantly reshaping its banks and channels. Special efforts are underway to address these uniqueness and promote sustainable development on the island.
(Courtesy: YouTube/ OxygenOverdose)
About the "Forest Man of India"
The "Forest Man of India" refers to Jadav Payeng, the remarkable environmental activist who single-handedly planted and nurtured a vast forest ecosystem on Majoli.
Born in the "Mishing tribe", Jadav Payeng grew up near the Brahmaputra River and witnessed the devastating effects of erosion and deforestation on the land of Majoli. In 1979, when Jadav was just 16 years old, he began planting trees on a sandbar in the Brahmaputra River after noticing the loss of habitat for wildlife due to deforestation. He started with bamboo saplings and continued planting a variety of tree species over the years.
Everyday, he took tree branches and saplings from near his home, walked 20 mins, took a boat, crossed the river and walked for two hours more to go to the empty piece of land and planted the branches and saplings. He devoted himself to nurturing the forest, often spending long hours planting, watering, and tending to the trees day after day, three months a year, and year after years for fourty years until the trees turn into a forest. Despite facing challenges such as floods, wildlife threats, and human encroachment, he persisted in his efforts. Over the decades, Jadav's forest, known as the "Molai" Forest (Forest of Hope) has grown to cover an area of over 1,360 acres (550 hectares), which is bigger than the Central Park in New York.
Jadav's forest has had a significant positive impact on the environment, including mitigating soil erosion, preventing floods, and providing habitat for numerous animal species, including elephants, rhinoceroses, deer, and tigers. His extraordinary conservation efforts have garnered widespread recognition and accolades both within India and internationally. He has received several awards and honors, including the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 2015.
Jadav Payeng's story serves as an inspiring example of the power of individual action and the importance of environmental stewardship in combating deforestation and biodiversity loss. His dedication and commitment have not only transformed a landscape but also inspired countless people around the world to take action for the planet's conservation.
(Courtesy: YouTube/ NasDaily)
Inspiration: The ethos of creativity, excellence, persistence and character that Majoli and it's Forest Man demonstrates act as the compass that drive every product and solutions of majoliX.
