Renowned agriculturist Pappammal from Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Padma Shri Award’, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
It is to be noted that the Centre released the list of Padma awards on the eve of India’s 72nd Republic Day in which it has honoured 119 people for their achievements and contributions to their respective fields of work.
105-year-old woman Pappammal was awarded the Padma Shri on the eve of Republic day for her contribution to organic farming. She has done something great which every Indian after knowing this will be really proud of him. Pappammal runs her own organic farm spread across 2.5 acres of land where she has been cultivating a variety of millets, pulses, vegetables and corn for over nine decades. “I’m very happy,” Papammal said over the phone as she was commuting to the Coimbatore airport to meet DMK leader MK Stalin. She joined the party several years ago.
In addition to contributing to agriculture and establishing a role model for many generations, Pappammal continues to be active by participating in various agriculture-related events.
Papammal lost her husband a decade ago and has three daughters, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and lives with five members of her family.
Pappammal saved money by selling snacks and beverages from a provisional shop she inherited from her grandmother. With the money, she bought 10 acres of land to cultivate pulses and corn. “There has never been a day when she hasn’t worked,” says her second niece R Kamalam who was accompanying her to the airport.
DMK President MK Stalin took to Twitter on Tuesday to congratulate Pappammal and said that it was heart-warming to see Tamil icons recognised for their contributions. Age is no barrier for her, Stalin said.
Pappammal was also appreciated by cricketer VVS Laxman who tweeted, “Age is only a number. 105-year-old Pappammal is a legend in organic agriculture. She works at her field in Thekkampatti, TN, and cultivates millets, pulses & vegetables across 2.5 acres & runs a provision store & eatery. She has been honoured with the #PadmaShri award.”
And while she is deeply appreciative of the honour, she responds to people with a simple ‘Nandri pa’ (thank you).
