Padma Shri awardee and renowned environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka, who passed away at the age of 114 on Friday, is remembered for her extraordinary contribution to afforestation and environmental protection.
Thimmakka was born in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district. Despite having no formal education, she worked as a daily-wage labourer in a quarry. After her marriage to Bikkala Chikkayya, she moved to Hulikal village in Magadi taluk. The couple, who did not have children, began planting trees — a mission that would define their lives.
Together, they planted 385 banyan trees along State Highway 94, between Kudur and Hulikal. Thimmakka often recalled how they would walk long distances carrying water in pails, just to ensure that every sapling survived. Their dedication turned a barren stretch into a lush green corridor.
In recognition of her service, Thimmakka received the Padma Shri in 2019 for her contributions to social work and the environment. She was also named among the BBC’s 100 most influential women in 2016. Beyond planting trees, she actively campaigned for environmental protection.
Saving Her Trees
In 2019, plans to widen the Bagepalli–Halaguru road required cutting down some of Thimmakka’s trees. She personally appealed to then Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara. The government later assured her the trees would be preserved, and the project was redesigned to protect them.
Tributes Pour In
Leaders across the State expressed their grief. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote on X:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Saalumarada Thimmakka. She nurtured thousands of trees like her own children and devoted her life to conserving the environment. Though she is no longer with us, her love for nature has made her immortal.”
He also announced that her funeral would be held with full State honours. There is also a growing demand to build a museum in her memory, which the government is considering.
Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said, “Known as Vriksha Mata, she showed the world the power of greenery by raising trees like her own children. Despite being illiterate, she made remarkable contributions to environmental conservation and received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri.”
Final Days
Thimmakka was admitted to a private hospital on November 2 with severe bronchial asthma and a lower respiratory tract infection. According to hospital officials, she eventually suffered multi-organ failure due to prolonged illness.
She is survived by her foster son, Umesh B.N, whom she adopted after her husband’s death. He now serves as the chairman of the Saalumarada Thimmakka International Foundation.
