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
Belagavi: Govt clerk found dead in Tehsildar’s chamber
JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal to visit K’taka on Nov 7 to meet farmers protesting Waqf notices
Karnataka HC issues notice to CM, others on plea seeking transfer of MUDA case to CBI
Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy booked for threatening police officer
Bantwal: Theft at Shree Mahalingeshwar temple
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Temple idols found desecrated in Hyderabad, case registered
Rebels to be shown the door: Maharashtra BJP chief Bawankule
Rohit Shetty says ‘Singham Again’ his fastest Rs 100 crore film, thanks audience for support
SC junks plea against quashing of LOC issued to ex-house help of Sushant Singh Rajput
People of Wayanad will ask me not to come there often: Priyanka Gandhi
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.