People who have endeavored to better the environment – I admire Ms. Saalumarada Thimmakka of Karnataka. She is a true legend. She is 107 years old but her spirit and motivation to protect the environment is admirable and commendable. She was awarded the Padma Shri.

Ms. Thimmakka’s home town is in Ramanagara district. She along with her late husband had taken this noble initiative of planting hundreds of trees near their hometown along the highway.

The trees are now nearly 70 years old now. They are standing tall and strong. She also had taken the courage to standup against the government who had wanted to cut the trees down for widening the road. She is a true inspiration to youth and children.

Ms. Thimmakka’s is possibly the oldest environmentalist in the whole word. Her husband used to dig many small pits. Then they planted saplings and covered them up with branches and twigs to protect them. They planted the saplings along the highway stretch between Kudur and Hulikal. They purchased 2 pairs of mud pots. They used to carry water from the well in these mud pots. They both would water these saplings at least twice a week.

Ms. Thimmakka doesn’t keep a count of the number of trees that they had planted over the years. She informed that her husband never told her about the same. However, today the tree so big and strong that almost 3 people are required to hug a tree.

We as global citizens need to take care of our environment and take small initiatives like planting saplings near our house and community.

Ms. Thimmakka is now featured as a lesson in Karnataka textbook for school students. They address her as “Saalumarada Thimmakka!" The meaning of 'Saalumara' in Kannada is a row of trees.

I conclude saying that age isn’t a factor for doing such noble deeds to protect our natural resources and to save our planet. A true and live example is Ms. Thimmakka who has continued to spread the message of tree planting.

Trees are important source of oxygen for us.

Plant trees, save lives.

Help the environment; love the planet (H.E.L.P)

Source: https://www.femina.in/trending/achievers/meet-the-105-year-old-environmentalist-from-karnataka-135934.html