Mangaluru, Aug 22: The centenarian crusader of afforestation ‘Saalumarada’ Thimmakka, who is a living inspiration for environmentalists, on Saturday released ‘Hasiru Thorana’ – a compilation of essays, stories and poems on the environment and its conservation written by the students of St Joseph College, Jeppu at a book release programme ‘Chintana Sinchana’ held in the college premises.
The woman who planted and tended rows of banyan trees in her native Hulikal village Ramanagara district, and was given the prefix to her name, Sallumarada Thimmakka was also felicitated in the programme for her contribution to the environment and spreading the green cover.
Lecturer at Vivekananda College, Puttur Dr Shreesha Kumar spoke on the occasion and encouraged students to be more concerned and sensitive about the environment amidst increasing indifference among people over the destruction of forests and natural resources.
Author of biography ‘Salumarada Saradarini Thimmakka’ Indiramma Beluru, Fr Lawrence D’Souza, Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, convenor of Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya Dinesh Holla and others were present on the occasion,
‘Government has failed to recognise Thimmakka’
Saalumarada Thimmakka is known for her contribution to maintaining the green cover by planting avenues of banyans trees on a stretch of four kilometers from Kudur to Hulikal in Magadi taluk in Ramanagara and tending to them over a period of 50-60 years.
Speaking to reporters prior to the book release programme, she said that more trees should be planted so that people could benefit from their shade. A crusader by today’s standards, she believes that trees were meant to be conserved. Cutting down a tree is like taking the life of a child, she said.
Addressing the interaction, Thimmakka’s adopted son Umesh lamented that although the Karnataka state government had launched a ‘Neralu’ scheme to develop roadside trees under the name of Saalu Marada Thimmakka, the efforts and contribution of the woman herself had gone unrecognised by the government.
For her achievement, Thimmakka has gained recognition not just in the country, but even internationally. The true story of her contribution and active role towards environment conservation is also included in primary, high school and college textbooks along with research material for university courses. Sadly, the woman who has contributed vastly to the society and environment is in a disheartening situation without any financial support. She can barely manage a living on the monthly pension of Rs 500 she receives as a senior citizen by the government, he said.
Criticising the government for its lack of benefaction towards Thimmakka, he made a plea to the chief minister to offer financial support and aid to the selfless centenarian. “Instead of arriving at her doorstep on her death, provide support to Thimmakka at the time of her need. There has not been any Padmashree or Bharat Ratna award in recognition of her contribution. The government should take responsibility in this regard, he appealed.
Indiramma Beluru, said that Thimmakka’s sole aim was to preserve the green cover of the planet for future generations. Her selfless and invaluable achievements should inspire others to conserve the environment, she told the reporters.
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