1922 – 2007

Beepathumma, also known as Podimma, was born in 1922 to Fakru Beary and Khatijamma in Koornadka, Kemminje village of Puttur taluk. Despite having only a fifth-grade education, she became a qualified horticulturist.

For over 60 years, Beepathumma gained renown for her expertise in herbal medicine, having cured thousands of patients suffering from various ailments such as redness, shingles, ringworm, measles, itch, vision problems, vitiligo, asthma, and more. She also provided remedies for cattle.

In her twenties, Beepathumma learned the art of herbal medicine from a doctor in Lakshadweep. She never charged a fixed fee for her services, treating up to 25 patients a day regardless of their caste or creed. She even prepared Nati Madhu, a medicinal honey, from herbs she cultivated in a small garden in her backyard after the forest resources began to dwindle.

Patients from across Dakshina Kannada district and even from Mysore, Kodagu, and Bangalore sought her treatment. Notably, when the wife of Karnataka Minister Aziz Seir suffered from shingles, Beepathumma traveled to Mysore to provide her with care.

Beepathumma’s selfless service earned her recognition from various organizations. She was honored by the Puttur Environment Association in 1997, the Puttur Rotary Club in 1994, and the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Akademi in 1998. Additionally, she received the prestigious Rani Abbakka Award from the Veerarani Abbakka Utsav Samiti of Ullal in 2000.

Despite her limited formal education, Beepathumma was well-versed in Arabic and was a devout reader of the Qur’an.

She passed away on December 10, 2007, leaving behind her five sons and two daughters, as well as her husband, Ahmed Kunhi. Her legacy continues through her son, K. Hasinaar, who has followed in her footsteps as an herbal medicine practitioner.