Saalumarada Thimmakka, the Mother of Trees, passes away at 114

Karnataka | Desk: Renowned environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away on Friday, November 14, in Bengaluru at the age of 114.

The Padma Shri awardee had been unwell and was receiving treatment at a private hospital.

She was born on June 30, 1911, in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district and became one of Karnataka’s most respected conservationists, dedicating her life to planting and nurturing trees.

Despite having no formal education, Thimmakka began planting trees with her husband, Chikkaiah, after moving to Hulikal village in Magadi taluk.

The couple, who had no children, cared for banyan saplings as if they were their own. Later, after Chikkaiah’s death, Thimmakka adopted a son, Umesh, and lived with him in Balluru, Belur taluk, Hassan district.

Thimmakka earned the name “Saalumarada,” meaning “row of trees,” after she and her husband planted 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-km stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in Ramanagara district.

Over time, she planted thousands of trees and inspired many across Karnataka to care for the environment.

She received many awards, including the Padma Shri in 2019, the Nadoja Award from Hampi University, the National Citizen Award, and the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award.

She was also called “Vriksha Mata” or the “Mother of Trees.”

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Thimmakka planted thousands of trees and cared for them like her children. Her love for nature will keep her memory alive. My condolences to her family.”

Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said, “Thimmakka, known as Vriksha Mata, spread the importance of greenery and received the Padma Shri and other honours for her great work in conservation.”