Mangaluru: It was a summer camp and the students were gathered there to participate in some extracurricular activities. But they were asked to plant saplings in their vicinity. “Don’t be lazy always but, plant a sapling and contribute a little to the environment”, said a 106-year-old resource person during that programme.

The resource person was none other than Padma Shri Saalu Marada Thimmakka. The 10 days summer camp was organised by the Jnana Ganga Central School, Bellare in Sullia taluk on Monday, April 1. This camp was inaugurated by Saalu Marada Thimmakka with the planting of a sapling.

After the inauguration of the programme, Thimmakka said, “The main aim of an individual should be the conservation of environment. We are here only because of the environment. Hence, it is our responsibility to conserve our nature”, she said.

Meanwhile, she narrated how she had struggled to look after the trees in these years.

Thimmakka was born in the Hulikal village located in the Magadi Taluk of rural Bengaluru. She was married off at a very young age to a cattle herder named Chikkaiah. The couple eked out a living by tilling land and cutting stones. She along with her late husband has planted and tended to 384 Banyan trees on a 4 km stretch of highway between Hulikal and Kudur.

The 10 days summer camp will conclude on April 10.

Geetha Montadka of Rangayana Mysuru was the chief guest at the programme. School trustees M Puttanna Gowda and Gangamma, Chairman  M P Umesh, Principal T M Dechamma were present. Teacher Varijakashi compered the programme. M P Umesh welcomed the gathering and Pradeep Kanyappady proposed a vote of thanks.