When ‘Mother of Trees’ blessed the President
Team Udayavani, Mar 16, 2019, 12:10 PM IST
Bengaluru: The strict protocol of Rashtrapati Bhavan could not curb the motherly instincts of 106-year-old Saalumarada Thimmakka, who was awarded Padma Shri for planting thousands of trees in Karnataka, as she touched the forehead of President Ram Nath Kovind to bless him.
Thimmakka, who has earned the sobriquet of ‘Vriksha Mathe (mother of trees)’ for planting 8,000 trees including over 400 banyan trees, was honoured along with other personalities at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.
In a ceremony marked by strict protocols, Thimmakka, dressed in a light green sari, with a smiling face and ‘tripundra’ on her forehead, approached the dias to receive the award from President Ram Nath Kovind.
As the president, 33 years younger to Thimmakka, asked her to face the camera, the centenarian touched his forehead to bless him.
Her innocuous move brought a smile on the faces of the President, Prime Minister and all the guests who burst into a rapturous applause for her.
Thimmakka’s story is of grit and determination. She reportedly wanted to commit suicide in her 40s as she could not conceive, but with the support of her husband, she found solace in planting trees.
The couple arduously worked in the fields during the day, planted trees and cared for them. From 10 plants in the first year, they kept planting more saplings in the later years.
Sometimes even bringing water from over 4 kilometers for their plants.
Born in Hulikal village in Karnataka, Thimmakka has planted over 8,000 trees during a period of 65 years. Her husband passed away in 1991.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Some countries, institutions want weak govt to make easy profits: PM Modi
Sexual harassment, stalking case registered against ex-minister H D Revanna and his son Prajwal
Vijayapura: Tragedy at Lachyana Maharathotsav – 2 dead, one injured after being crushed by chariot
INDIA bloc’s formula is to give PM’s post to alliance parties for one year each: Modi
ASICS Athlete Peter Mwaniki Leads Victory at TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2024
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Some countries, institutions want weak govt to make easy profits: PM Modi
People can talk anything they want to, I know my game better: Virat Kohli on his strike rate
Sexual harassment, stalking case registered against ex-minister H D Revanna and his son Prajwal
Reservation row: Congress campaign ‘biggest lie’ of the decade, says Kishan Reddy
BJP trying religious polarisation in Nagaon: Congress candidate Pradyut Bordoloi