Padma Shri awardee and environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away on November 14, 2025, in Bengaluru at the age of 114. Fondly known as “Vrukshamate” (Mother of Trees), Thimmakka’s life was a shining example of dedication, perseverance, and love for nature. Her remarkable journey inspired millions and left an indelible mark on India’s environmental movement.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born on June 30, 1911, in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district, Karnataka, Thimmakka grew up in a humble family with no access to formal education. She worked as a casual laborer and faced many hardships, including the inability to have children. Instead of letting sorrow define her, she found purpose in planting trees. Alongside her husband, Chikkaiah (also known as Chikkayya), she began planting banyan and tamarind saplings along a barren stretch of road between Hulikal and Kudur, hoping to provide shade and greenery for travelers.
Tree Woman of Karnataka
Thimmakka’s most famous achievement was planting and nurturing 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-kilometer stretch of highway, transforming a once-barren landscape into a lush green corridor. Over the years, she planted nearly 8,000 trees, treating each one as her own child. Her efforts were not just about beautification; they provided shelter for birds and animals, improved air quality, and inspired countless others to take up tree planting.
Awards and Recognition
Thimmakka’s selfless work earned her national and international acclaim. She received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2019, in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to environmental conservation.
She also received the National Citizens’ Award in 1995, the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award, and the Nadoja Award from Hampi University in 2010, among others. In 2020, the Central University of Karnataka conferred an honorary doctorate upon her. Her story inspired the creation of “Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education,” a U.S.-based organization named in her honor.
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s legacy goes beyond the thousands of trees she planted. Her life taught the world that environmental conservation is not just the responsibility of governments or scientists, but of every individual. Political leaders, environmentalists, and citizens across India mourned her passing, acknowledging that her love for nature has made her immortal.
Thimmakka’s story is a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact. Her dedication to planting trees, despite personal challenges and limited resources, continues to inspire new generations to care for the planet. As tributes pour in, her life remains a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s journey from a humble village to a national icon is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and environmental protection. Her legacy will live on in every tree she planted and in the hearts of those she inspired.
FAQs
Who was Saalumarada Thimmakka?
Saalumarada Thimmakka was a Padma Shri award-winning environmentalist from Karnataka, widely known as “Vrukshamate” or “Mother of Trees.”
What was her major contribution to the environment?
She planted and nurtured 385 banyan trees along a 4.5 km stretch of highway and over 8,000 trees in her lifetime.
Why did she start planting trees?
She began planting trees with her husband as a way to find purpose and joy after facing hardships, including the inability to have children.
What awards did Thimmakka receive?
She received the Padma Shri in 2019 along with several other honours such as the National Citizen’s Award and Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award.
What is her lasting legacy?
Her life stands as a symbol of resilience and environmental responsibility, inspiring generations to protect and care for nature.
