Udupi: Likeminded citizens with the youth will raise funds to support Salumarada Timmakka in a campaign called “Neralu-Neravu”, said Avinash Kamath. He was addressing the mediapersons at a press meet held at the Press Club here, on October 7.
Salumarada Timmakka, a renowned social figure who took up and spear-headed the cause of planting trees on the side of the roads, is facing financial problems.
The government of Karnataka pays Timmakka a monthly pension of Rs 500. Besides that, she has no other means to support her livelihood.
Her adopted son Umesh lives with Timmakka in a rented house in Bengaluru. Timmakka is on medication. She is undergoing treatment at the Apollo hospital Bengaluru, where 10% discount is given on her bills. The rest of the amount is borne by Umesh. Umesh has to be with his ailing mother to look after her.
Likeminded citizens joined hands to help Salumarada Timmakka by raising funds from the general public. A rally in this regard will be organized starting from Jodukatte (Big Bazar). Youth together with other citizens will approach the public with collection boxes and raise funds for Timmakka. The initiative is supported by many environmentalists who will be present during the rally along with Umesh.
As part of the campaign, donation boxes are kept in leading banks, schools, colleges and stores. Interested public can join the campaign by giving financial assistance to Salumarada Timmakka.
The Government of Karnataka has recommended Salumarada Timmakka’s name for a Padmabushan, Avinash added.
Gururaj Sanil, Avinash Kamath, Srikanth Shetty and others were present.