Saalumarada Thimmakka, an extraordinary environmentalist from Karnataka, has become a symbol of resilience and commitment in the realm of environmental conservation. Her remarkable journey of planting banyan trees is not just a personal triumph but also a profound impact on her community and the environment.
A Journey Rooted in Love
Born in 1912 in the small village of Hulikal, Gubbi Taluk, Tumakuru district, Thimmakka grew up in a modest background surrounded by nature. She faced significant challenges early in life, including a lack of formal education and the need to work as a casual labourer to support her family. Despite these hardships, she developed a deep appreciation for the natural environment.Thimmakka married Chikkaiah, and together they faced the emotional pain of being unable to have children. In her forties, feeling despondent and even attempting suicide due to her childlessness, she found solace in nature. This pivotal moment led them to embark on a mission to plant trees as a way to fill the void in their lives.
Planting the Seeds of Change
In 1948, Thimmakka and her husband began planting banyan trees along a barren stretch of highway between Hulikal and Kudur. Starting with just ten saplings in their first year, they nurtured these trees with love and care. Over the decades, their efforts resulted in the planting of over 8,000 trees, including 385 banyan trees along a 45-kilometre stretch.To ensure the survival of their saplings, Thimmakka employed innovative techniques such as creating earthen bunds to capture rainwater and protect them from grazing animals by fencing them with thorny shrubs. The couple would carry water for four kilometres daily to nourish their plants, demonstrating unwavering dedication.
Recognition and Awards
Thimmakka’s extraordinary contributions have garnered significant recognition over the years. In 1995, she received the National Citizen’s Award of India, followed by the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. On her 111th birthday in 2023, she was appointed as an environment ambassador by the Karnataka government with cabinet rank, acknowledging her lifelong dedication to environmental conservation.In addition to these accolades, Thimmakka was named one of the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women in 2016, highlighting her impact on environmental activism globally. An environmental organization based in Los Angeles, Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education, is named in her honour, promoting environmental education inspired by her work.
A Legacy of Hope
Even at 111 years old, Thimmakka remains actively involved in promoting afforestation and environmental awareness. After her husband’s death in 1991, she continued their shared dream of nurturing nature. Her story has inspired countless individuals and communities to take action toward environmental preservation.In recent years, Thimmakka has been crucial in protecting her beloved banyan trees from threats posed by development projects. In 2019, when plans were proposed to widen the Bagepalli-Halaguru road—which would have endangered her trees—Thimmakka appealed to government officials to reconsider. Thanks to her advocacy, alternative solutions were sought to protect this vital green space.Thimmakka also dreams of establishing a hospital in her village as a tribute to her late husband. A trust has been set up for this purpose, aiming to provide essential medical services where they are scarce.
Additional Context
Thimmakka’s legacy is deeply rooted in her humble beginnings; she received no formal education and worked as a casual labourer at a quarry. Despite these challenges, she has shown that passion and determination can lead to monumental achievements. Her work serves as an inspiring reminder that anyone can make a difference—regardless of their background or resources.In 1999, a documentary titled Thimmakka Mathu 284 Makkalu was made about her work and featured at the 2000 International Film Festival of India. This film helped bring further attention to her efforts and inspired many across India and beyond. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering spirit, Saalumarada Thimmakka has not only planted trees but also sowed seeds of hope for future generations—proving that every small action counts when it comes to protecting our planet.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that Saalumarada Thimmakka’s story exemplifies the power of individual action in creating positive social change. Her unwavering commitment to restoring nature reflects our values of empathy and coexistence with all living beings. In an increasingly fragmented world, Thimmakka’s journey reminds us that kindness towards our environment fosters harmony within our communities. How can we collectively harness our efforts to contribute positively towards our planet? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
