SAALUMARADA THIMMAKKA

NEWS – Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka, one of India’s most inspirational environmentalists, passed away at 114. Known as the “Mother of Trees” and “Vriksha Mata”, she dedicated her life to protecting and nurturing trees, making her an icon of grassroots environmental conservation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Early Life

• Born in Gubbi taluk, Tumakuru district (Karnataka).
• Had no formal education; worked as a quarry labourer.
• Married Bikkala Chikkayya and moved to Hulikal village.

Major Environmental Contribution

Afforestation Mission

• The couple, unable to have children, planted 385 banyan trees along State Highway 94 (Kudur–Hulikal stretch).
• Walked several kilometres daily to water and protect the saplings.
• These trees now form a green corridor, symbolizing her lifelong environmental dedication.

Recognition

• Padma Shri (2019) for social work.
• Featured in BBC’s 100 most influential women (2016).
• Awarded several honorary doctorates for environmental activism.

 Advocacy & Protection of Trees

• In 2019, proposed widening of Bagepalli–Halaguru road threatened her planted trees.
• She appealed to the State leadership; authorities adopted an alternative route, ensuring no tree was felled.

 Tributes & Legacy

• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and leaders paid respects; funeral to be held with full state honours.
• Proposal under consideration to build a museum in her memory.
• Remembered as an epitome of grassroots conservation, nurturing trees “like her own children”.