Ganjam (Odisha): Shah Jahan had built the famous monument, Taj Mahal, in memory of his wife long back, but today Khadal Nayak hailing from Ganjam District of Odisha has surpassed the Mughal Emperor with his dedication and immense love for his wife. Khadal has created a forest in memory of his wife Shova Nayak and also named it after her as- 'Shovaban' (Beautiful forest).
Khadal Nayak who lives in Dubapalli village under Khetmundali Panchayat has been drawing accolades from all quarters for his novel work. He has set an example by creating a vast green forest on a barren hill. At the same time, he has given a message to the society that 'age' has no meaning before 'will power'. If one has the will, there is nothing impossible for him. He is at the fag end of his life, but still, he goes into the forest as a regular routine, carrying a spade as if everything else fades before his will power.
Although he lacks the physical strength to walk properly and finds difficulty in talking, he still goes to his forest with a spade and shovel to upkeep and safeguards it. Gradually the barren hill had been converted into a green forest. People come to have a look at the green cover and are amazed at his dedication and love for his wife.
Khadal Nayak had purchased this barren hill spread over an area of five acres about forty years back. There was not a single tree there. In order to keep his first wife's memory alive forever, he brought some Sal seeds and planted on the hill. Some of those plants survived. Thereafter every year he went on planting more and more trees there and took care of them.
Initially, people used to make fun of him, but he did not pay any heed to their words and went on planting trees and took care of them. Today a beautiful green forest had come up because of his sustained efforts.
Every day he remembers his wife and goes round the forest before returning home.
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