Pappammal Explained

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 2.50NaN0 of land.^[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

M. Pappammal alias Rangammal was born to Velammal and Maruthachala Mudaliar in the village of Devalapuram in 1914. 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.^[7] From the profits she made from these businesses, she bought nearly 100NaN0 of land in the village. She also brought up her sister's children.

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.^[8] 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.

She worked with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University's department of education.

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

Pappammal died on 27 September 2024, at the age of 109.^[9]

Political life

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.^[10] She was a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and a fan of M. Karunanidhi. She participated in farmer-related events and protests.

Notes and References

1. News: Arivanantham. R.. 2018-09-12. At 103, hard work is what keeps her going. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-01-27. 0971-751X.
2. Web site: 2021-01-26. Rs 2 doc, 105-year-old woman farmer among TN Padma winners. https://web.archive.org/web/20210206103847/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2021/01/26031655/1272964/Rs-2-doc-105yearold-woman-farmer-among-TN-Padma-winners.vpf. dead. 6 February 2021. 2021-01-27. dtNext.in. en.
3. Web site: Derhgawen. Shubhangi. 2021-01-27. Twitter Celebrates 105-Year-Old Farmer Honoured With Padma Shri. 2021-01-27. TheQuint. en.
4. Web site: 2021-01-27. Padma Awards 2021: The heroes of Indian agriculture. 2021-01-27. Mintlounge. en.
5. Web site: Organic farming pioneer: 105-year-old woman farmer from Coimbatore awarded Padma Shri. India Today. 26 January 2021 . en.
6. News: Staff Reporter. 2021-01-26. Ten from T.N. chosen for Padma Shri. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-01-27. 0971-751X.
7. Web site: Singh. Ankita. 2021-01-27. Tamil Nadu: 105-Year-Old Woman Farmer From Coimbatore Awarded Padma Shri. 2021-01-27. The Logical Indian. en.
8. Web site: 2021-01-26. 105-year-old organic farmer from Coimbatore is celebrating her Padma Shri award. 2021-01-27. Hindustan Times. en.
9. News: Organic farmer Pappammal dies at the age of 109 . 27 September 2024 . The Hindu . 27 September 2024.
10. Web site: Meet Padma Shri Rangama, 105-year-old who donned many hats. 2021-01-27. The New Indian Express. 27 January 2021 .