Saalu Marada Thimmakka: The Mother of Trees Who Greened a GenerationPasses Away

Bangalore |Nicember 14: Bangalore Mail Desk

Saalu Marada Thimmakka, revered across India as the “Mother of Trees,” stands as one of the country’s most inspiring examples of environmental dedication born from humble roots. Her life story is a testament to how ordinary individuals can transform their surroundings through sheer will, compassion, and consistency.
Born in the early 1900s in Gubbi taluk of Karnataka’s Tumakuru district, Thimmakka came from a modest background and worked as a labourer for much of her life. Financial hardship and personal struggles never dampened her spirit. With her husband, Chikkaiah, she sought solace in nurturing nature—a bond that would one day make her a national symbol of environmental stewardship.

Thimmakka’s most iconic contribution began with a simple act. Unable to have children, she and her husband decided to pour their affection into planting saplings. Over the years, they painstakingly planted and tended to 384 banyan trees along the 4-kilometre stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in Karnataka. The couple carried water for miles, protected the young saplings from cattle, and cared for them as one would for their own children.

Their dedication gradually transformed a barren stretch of land into a thriving green corridor, offering shade, ecological balance, and beauty to thousands who travel the route today. These trees have grown into towering sentinels, symbolizing the enduring impact of selfless service.

Thimmakka’s work, once known only within her region, eventually drew national and international attention. Governments, environmental organizations, and community groups recognized her as a living example of grassroots environmentalism. In 2019, she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, for her extraordinary contributions to environmental conservation.

Her story has since been featured in global forums, inspiring initiatives on afforestation and community-driven ecological protection. The environmental organization Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education (TREE) in the United States was even named in her honour, extending her legacy beyond India’s borders.

Even in her later years, Thimmakka has remained active in advocating for tree planting and environmental awareness.