MANGALURU: When the two Padma awardees who had caught the nation’s attention for their humility and simplicity met each other at New Padpu in Harekala village on Saturday, it was a moment to cherish for all those around.
Walking barefoot to receive one of India’s highest civilian honours from President Ram Nath Kovind last week, Padma Shri Harekala Hajabba and Padma Shri Tulasi Gouda stood out among all the awardees and won a million hearts.
On Saturday Tulasi aka ‘Vruksha Mathe’ called on Hajabba known as ‘Akshara Santha’ (Saint of Letters) at his house on the outskirts of Mangaluru.
Tulasi, her daughter-in-law Venkamma and grandchildren, Shekhar and Hema, visited Hajabba and had breakfast at his house. The orange vendor and his family honoured the green warrior from Honnali village in Uttara Kannada district. Hajabba said that though the two wanted to meet each other during the award ceremony in the national capital it was not possible.
“I am happy that Tulasi Gouda has visited this poor man’s house. I consider this as great honour in my life. I could not meet her at the airport either,” Hajabba said.
On her part the 72-year-old Tulasi said she intends to support Hajabba in his dream. “ I will extend my support for the development of Hajabba’s school. He should contribute more for society and people must support him in his dreams,” she said.
Later, Tulasi was accorded a warm welcome by students and staff of Hajabba’s school. They took her in a procession from his house to the school. Both the Padma awardees were honoured by the students and teachers.
Tulasi also interacted with the children much to their delight. She held students in her thrall with her innate knowledge of plants and how she gained it while working alongside her mother from when she was just 12 years old.
