Indian agriculturist Pappammal from Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore was among top ten personalities who were awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, on the occasion of the 72nd Republic Day.
Pappammal is still active in farming to her field in Thekkampatti, a village on the banks of river Bhavani. She continues to organically cultivate millets, pulses, and vegetables across her 2.5-acre field.
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
Born in 1914, Pappammal lost her husband a few decades ago. The couple did not have a child of their own and hence she brought up her sister’s three daughters. Currently, she lives with five members of her family.
Pappammal has even not studied beyond Class II but has attended the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) classes for farmers.
She has been active on the political and social front too. She was her village’s councillor in 1959.
Cricketer VVS Laxman also tweeted that, "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."
