Saalumarada Thimmakka, ‘Mother of Trees’, Passes Away at 114

Saalumarada Thimmakka, a renowned environmentalist and recipient of the Padma Shri, has passed away at the age of 114 in Bengaluru. The iconic “Mother of Trees” passed away on Friday at a private hospital, after battling an illness for some time, as confirmed by her family.

Born on June 30, 1911, in Karnataka, Thimmakka became a symbol of environmental conservation through her remarkable work in tree planting, despite never having received a formal education. Thimmakka’s legacy is largely defined by her tireless efforts to plant and nurture 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-kilometer stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. Her dedication to environmental protection earned her both national and international acclaim.

A childless woman who experienced personal tragedy, Thimmakka’s bond with nature was deeply rooted in her own life experiences. She began to treat trees as her children, finding solace and purpose in nurturing them. This devotion to trees led her to become one of the most respected grassroots environmental activists in India.

Affectionately known as Saalumarada—which means “row of trees” in Kannada—Thimmakka’s work has left an indelible mark on India’s environmental movement. Her contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the National Citizen Award in 1995, the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award in 1997, the Padma Shri in 2019, and the Nadoja Award from Hampi University in 2010.

In response to her passing, numerous public figures, environmentalists, and political leaders have expressed their grief and offered tributes. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a statement mourning her loss, saying, “I am saddened to hear the news of the passing of ‘Vrikshamate’ Saalumarada Thimmakka. Having planted thousands of trees and nurtured them like her own children, Thimmakka dedicated most of her life to environmental conservation.”

He further added, “Though she has left us today, her love for nature has made her immortal. My respects to the great soul who has departed.”

Thimmakka’s death marks the end of a remarkable life devoted to the protection of the environment, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.