Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Aug 22: 'Hasiru Torana', an anthology of environmental poems written by the students of St Joseph College, Jeppu here was released on Saturday August 22 at the college auditorium.

Renowned environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka released the book.

Saalumarada Thimmakka was also felicitated and a painting of her was gifted to her by Santhosh Kulal from Isiri Arts.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Shreesha Kumar, Sanskrit lecturer at Vivekananda College, Puttur said, "In another 30 years Mangaluru will not exist as the sea water level is increasing. We have to follow in the footsteps of Thimmakka. We are the so-called genius people who are destroying the environment. Western Ghats is getting destroyed. People of Dakshina Kannada district are not worried about the changes happening in the environment.

"Today's world is totally different. There were many trees in our district, but now we can see many many huge buildings. Our education, degree, post graduation, all that is nothing in front of Thimmakka. Lecturers must teach humanity to students. If you want 24x7 electricity then praise MRPL, SEZ, MCF, Adani and other companies. If you want 24x7 healthy life then praise and support Saalumarada Thimmakka," he added

Fr Lawrence D'Souza, Indiramma Beluru, writer of 'Salumarada Saradaarini Thimmakka', Umesh B N, adopted son of Thimmakka, R Durga Menon, Shifali, Dinesh Holla, convener of Sahyadri Samrakshana Sanchaya and others were also present.

Fr Wilfred Prakash D'Souza welcomed the gathering.

Son urges for govt help

Prior to the book release ceremony, a press meet was organised where Saalumarada Thimmakka was present.

Thimmakka's adopted son Umesh N on behalf of her mother said, "Today everybody knows who Thimmakka is. Her achievements are big. She has never asked anybody to give her award. Not even sought publicity. Just for her self-satisfaction she has done her work. She is our country's greatest woman. But Thimmakka is living with lot of problems. The state government is giving only Rs 500 under the senior citizen pension scheme. She is over a 100 years old and she is living below poverty line.

"Being helpful to society, she has not received any kind of help from the state government nor from the centre. When she was admitted in hospital, politicians had come and made false promises and gone. She has given many gifts to the environment. Being a role model to lacs of students and people, the state government is not looking after her and I do not think the central government would even know about her," he said

"Padma Vibhushan Award is given to people who make lot of money. Being a citizen of Karnataka, she has not received Karnataka Ratna Award till now. I am asking the government to do something while she is alive. She does not want a big statue to be built in her memory. Do not spend money on building statues. Both the central and the state governments should take responsibility and do something good for her. I plead with chief minister Siddaramaiah to help her," he added