Alappuzha: Devakiamma of Kollakal, Alappuzha, has been honored with the Padma Shri award for her lifelong contribution to environmental conservation. At the age of 92, this recognition celebrates her extraordinary feat of creating ‘Thapovanam,’ a man-made forest spanning five acres in Muthukulam, which houses over 3,000 diverse species of trees. Her journey into afforestation began after a life-altering road accident in 1980 that left her bedridden for a long period; it was during her recovery that she turned toward planting trees on the barren land surrounding her home.
For over 40 years, Devakiamma nurtured this green sanctuary with the steadfast support of her family. Her husband, Gopalakrishna Pillai, a teacher, used to bring her various seeds every day, and her daughter Prof. Thankamani, a former head of Environmental Engineering at CET, has been a pillar of support. This forest, rich in medicinal plants and rare flora, stands as a testament to her perseverance. Devakiamma, who was previously honored with the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2021, continues to inspire generations with her dedication to the planet. (TIM)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com