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Pappammal

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Pappammal
Pappammal in 2021
Born1914 (1914)
Devalapuram, Coimbatore, Madras Presidency, British India
Died (aged 109)
Thekkampatti, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India
NationalityIndian
Other namesRangammal
OccupationFarmer
Known forOrganic farming
AwardsPadma Shri

Pappammal (or Papammal; 1914 – 27 September 2024) was an Indian organic farmer from Tamil Nadu.[1] At the age of 105, she was argued to be the oldest farmer still active in the field.[2] She was regarded as an agricultural pioneer and worked with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University's department of education. She worked every day on her 2.5 acres (1 hectare) of land.[2][3] Due to her contributions to organic farming, the government of India honoured her work in 2021 with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India.[4][5][6]

Personal life

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M. Pappammal alias Rangammal was born to Velammal and Maruthachala Mudaliar in the village of Devalapuram in 1914.[7] She lost her parents at a young age, and she and her two sisters were raised in Thekkampatti, Coimbatore by their paternal grandmother. She inherited her grandmother's shop and opened an eatery.[8] From the profits she made from these businesses, she bought nearly 10 acres (4 hectares) of land in the village. She also brought up her sister's children.[1]

She started her day at 5:30 am and went to her farm at 6 am, where she worked until the afternoon. Her family members claimed that it was her food habits and active lifestyle that kept her healthy. She did not consume tea or coffee and drank hot water.[9] When she was 105, she was said to be the oldest active farmer and worked every day on the 2.5 acres (1 hectare) of land that she owned at that time.[2][3]

She worked with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University's department of education.[2][3]

In 2021, Pappammal was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, due to her contributions to organic farming.[4][5][6]

Pappammal died on 27 September 2024, at the age of 109.[7]

Political life

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In 1959, she was elected as a ward member of the Thekkampatti Panchayat as well as being elected as a councillor in the Karamadai Panchayat Union.[1][10] She was a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and a fan of M. Karunanidhi.[1] She participated in farmer-related events and protests.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Arivanantham, R. (12 September 2018). "At 103, hard work is what keeps her going". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "Rs 2 doc, 105-year-old woman farmer among TN Padma winners". dtNext.in. 26 January 2021. Archived from the original on 6 February 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Derhgawen, Shubhangi (27 January 2021). "Twitter Celebrates 105-Year-Old Farmer Honoured With Padma Shri". TheQuint. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "Padma Awards 2021: The heroes of Indian agriculture". Mintlounge. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Organic farming pioneer: 105-year-old woman farmer from Coimbatore awarded Padma Shri". India Today. 26 January 2021.
  6. ^ a b Staff Reporter (26 January 2021). "Ten from T.N. chosen for Padma Shri". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  7. ^ a b "Organic farmer Pappammal dies at the age of 109". The Hindu. 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  8. ^ Singh, Ankita (27 January 2021). "Tamil Nadu: 105-Year-Old Woman Farmer From Coimbatore Awarded Padma Shri". The Logical Indian. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  9. ^ "105-year-old organic farmer from Coimbatore is celebrating her Padma Shri award". Hindustan Times. 26 January 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  10. ^ "Meet Padma Shri Rangama, 105-year-old who donned many hats". The New Indian Express. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
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