Youth should experience the outside world: Saalumarada Thimmakka

Team Udayavani, Aug 17, 2018, 9:00 AM IST

Although an illiterate, Saalumarada Thimmakka has planted hundreds of saplings, looked after them as her own children and thus has become a model nature lover. She is now 107-years-old, but even at this ripe age, she visits various villages and inspires people to plant saplings. She plants saplings wherever she goes and thereby spreading awareness about the environment. In an exclusive Chit-chat session, Saalumarada Thimmakka gave words to her thoughts for ‘Udayavani Sudina’.

According to you, do the present generation care for the environment?

Nowadays, even youth are taking care of the environment. Even then, on a school level, the teachers and environmental activists must provide guidance to the children about the environment. The youth too must come out from the social networks and experience the outside world.

What is opinion on the present environmentalists?

Nowadays, it really hurts me to see a few current environmental activists. On one side the environment is getting spoilt. Most of the people who call themselves environmentalists have worked only to promote themselves and for the awards. I do not like such people. Everybody should consider serving the environment as serving ones mother and should work with a selfless attitude.

Nowadays people are showing more interest towards foreign plants instead of indigenous plants?

Yes; from my perspective this is wrong. There is only more danger from foreign plants. A little rain and wind is enough for these trees to get uprooted and cause damage and danger to the public. But, our indigenous plants and trees are strong and hence last for a longer period of time. It is true that foreign trees grow faster. But the cattle do not consume these plants due to which encouragement should not be given to grow foreign plants.

“The district administration or the local administration should see to the adequate application of all schemes relating the conservation of the environment.  Only growing plants is not enough; attention should be given towards their nutrition. Free indigenous plant saplings and fruit saplings should be given to every house. Also, use of plastic should be banned,” –Saalumarada Thimmakka

Its monsoon now, which plant is best suited to plant for this weather?

Importance should be given to plants that provide more oxygen to the environment like Jackfruit, Mango, Curry leaves and Banyan 

The plants that you had planted have now become trees and provides shade to many people. How do you feel about this?

I truly feel happy. During the early days, we used to travel 4kms to get water for the trees. There is never any harm in planting saplings. It will always be of assistance to humans and birds.

What is your life’s next wish?

Creation of a maternity hospital at Hulikal and the marriage of my son Umesh are the two biggest wishes of my life.

Interview by Naveen Bhat Ilanthil.  Translated to English by Aaron Dmello