Saalumarada Thimmakka, the legendary environmentalist from Karnataka who transformed the landscape by planting and nurturing over 8,000 trees, passed away at the age of 114 in a private Bengaluru hospital due to health complications.
Fondly known as the “mother of trees,” she was honoured with multiple awards including the Padma Shri in 2019. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other officials expressed deep condolences, praising her lifelong dedication to environmental conservation and grassroots activism.
Early Life and Roots of a Green Mission
Saalumarada Thimmakka was born on June 30, 1911, in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district. Despite having no formal education and working as a laborer, she found profound purpose in planting trees with her husband Chikkaiah, initially as a way to cope with childlessness.
Starting with just ten saplings, the couple painstakingly grafted and nurtured them, often carrying water across long distances and protecting young plants from grazing cattle using thorny fences.
Over the years, their humble efforts blossomed into a sprawling line of 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-kilometre stretch between Hulikal and Kudur near Bengaluru, giving rise to the affectionate title “Saalumarada,” meaning “row of trees” in Kannada. Additionally, Thimmakka planted nearly 8,000 trees across the region, becoming a grassroots environmental icon inspiring generations.
Achievements and National Recognition
Thimmakka’s dedication earned her widespread acclaim and accolades. Her key awards include the prestigious Padma Shri awarded by the Government of India in 2019, the National Citizen’s Award in 1995, and the Nadoja Award from Hampi University in 2010.
She also received an honorary doctorate from the Central University of Karnataka. Thimmakka’s efforts notably helped protect a vital green corridor from a potentially harmful road-widening project in 2019, after she personally appealed to then Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara.
This environmental struggle highlighted her commitment to conservation beyond planting trees, championing ecological preservation against development pressures.
Tributes and Lasting Impact
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow, calling her immortal for her lifelong devotion to nurturing trees and lamenting the loss felt by the region. Other officials and environmentalists echoed this sentiment, honoring Thimmakka’s exemplary role as a pioneer for women and conservationists alike.
Her life story, marked by resilience and selflessness, remains a beacon of sustainable living. Thimmakka’s legacy continues to teach that profound environmental change begins with patient, loving care of small beginnings and individual action.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Saalumarada Thimmakka exemplifies the extraordinary power of empathy, perseverance, and commitment to nature. Her life urges us to value and protect our environment with renewed passion, recognising that every small effort counts towards building a sustainable future.
As the world confronts unprecedented ecological challenges, her story inspires all to nurture the earth and each other with kindness.
