Pappammal, a renowned agriculturist from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is among 10 celebrities who were honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award. 105-year-old old lady Pappammal is still active. She lives on her farm in Thekkampatti village on the banks of river Bhavani.
Pappammal practices organic farming and grows Bajra, Pulses and Vegetables in her 2.5 acres of land. Apart from contributing to agriculture, Pappammal participates in various programs related to agriculture.
Pappammal was born in 1914 in Devalapuram village of Tamil Nadu, Pappammal lost her parents at a very young age and was raised by his maternal grandmother at Thekkampatti in Coimbatore district. The past century has seen Pappammal witness two world wars, India's independence, several natural disasters and now the coronavirus pandemic.
From a very young age, Pappammal was keen on agriculture and spent time learning it. She inherited a small provision store in Thekkampatti after the death of his maternal grandmother about 50 years ago. She also started a small eatery selling snacks and beverages with this provision store.
Due to time and age, Pappammal could not manage the entire 10 acres, so she sold a part of it twenty-five years ago, but continued to systematically cultivate about 2.5 acres of land. Pappammal is an example and inspiration for those who want to take a break from work at the age of 50 or 60. Even today, every day this grandmother goes to her land and works there. She remains a great warrior of organic farming. She says that the younger generation only wants quick results. They don't really have the time to invest in organic farming.
Akshita, Pappammal's granddaughter, says, "There is a lot we can learn from paati (grandmother), but one thing I have learned is not to waste time sleeping. We have a lot to gain in life. " Her granddaughter, also inspired by paati, says, "She has made us very proud. Even now, very careful with what they eat – local products, and new products are always the choice. Whether it is cornmeal or mutton biryani, it enjoys a light meal and encourages all of us to choose local food. "
