Don't know about Padma Shri award: Thimmakka

Padmashri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka has said, "I have been honoured with an award. But I don't know what the award is."

The widely known environmentalist, who planted hundreds of trees, is one among the Padmashri awardees, declared by the Union government for her service to environment protection.

Thimmakka, who was at her adopted son Umesh's house at Ballur village in Belur taluk, told DH: "The awards will not fill the stomach and I am not aware of the award. I only know that I am selected for an award."

Also read: 26 Unsung heroes in Padma Shri list of 2019

Explaining her odds, Thimmakka said the state government had assured of lending hands, but not receiving any help. "The government used to provide me Rs 500 old-age pension per month. But it is not sufficient to lead life. Thus, I am not accepting the amount from the last one year," she said.