“This award gave me a new boost and encouragement to further strengthen the “Green India Challenge” programme,” said Santosh, founder of Green India Challenge, at a function held in Bangalore. 111 years old Thimmakka is well known for contributions to the cause of greenery and environment. She was conferred Padma Shri award for her services.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious Saalumarada Thimmakka national award under environmental category he thanked the award selection committee for short listing his name among many entries received country wise under social service sector for the year 2020.
Santhosh received the award from Vrikshamata Padmasri Saalumarada Thimmakka and Karnataka State former Deputy Chief Minister Gangadharaiah Parameshwara , at BR Ambedkar stadium in Bangalore on the eve of 11th Birth anniversary of Saalumarada Thimmakka.
The award was jointly given by the Saalumarada Thimmakka and Sri Sidharatha Educational Society. Later speaking on the occasion he said, “ It was exactly five years back, I kick started the “Green India Challenge’ programme with an intention to give something to the society”.
Adding this he said Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is the instrumental for the Green India Challenge programme. Santosh credited every green India lover for this award and also requested everyone to plant at least one sapling during this ongoing rainy season to prevent the soil from global warming and ensure maximum green cover.
ISRO former chairman Padmasri NS Kiran Kumar, famous Director Ranganath Bharadwaj, educationalist Gururaj Karjayini and Smt Satya Morgani also received award along with Santhosh Kumar.
