Environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka who passed away at 114 on Friday, was known for her contribution to the environment, particularly her efforts for afforestation.
Ms. Thimmakka hailed from Gubbi taluk in Tumakuru district. With no formal education, she worked in a quarry as a casual labourer.
After marrying Bikkala Chikkayya, she moved to Hulikal village in Magadi taluk. The couple, who did not have children, planted 385 banyan trees on State Highway 94 from Kudur to Hulikal.
Their dedication to these saplings were such that they would walk kilometres with pails of water just to nurture the plants, as she often said.
Ms. Thimmakka was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 for social work – environment apart from being listed as one among BBC’s 100 most influential and inspirational women in the world in 2016. She was also known for her activism to protect the environment.
Alternative approach
In 2019, there was a proposal for felling trees planted by Ms. Thimmakka for widening the Bagepalli-Halaguru road.
Ms. Thimmakka had appealed to then Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and the project took an alternative approach after the government had promised her that the trees would be protected from the project.
Several people, including political leaders, paid her rich tributes on Friday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posted on X: “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of Salumarada Thimmakka. Thimmakka, who planted thousands of trees and nurtured them like her own children, dedicated most of her life to environmental conservation. Even though Thimmakka has left us today, her love for the environment has made her immortal. My tributes to the departed soul. The State has become poorer with the demise of Saalumarada Thimmakka.”
Demand for muserum
Mr. Siddaramaiah, after paying his last respects, said that the funeral of Ms. Thimmakka will be conducted with full state honours. He added that there is a demand for constructing a museum dedicated to her which would be considered.
Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre also expressed his condolences.
“Thimmakka, who was known as Vriksha Mata, spread the importance of greenery to the world by raising trees as her children. Despite being illiterate, she had done great work in environmental conservation, and was awarded an honorary doctorate and had received the highest awards, including the Padma Shri,” Mr. Khandre said in his condolence message.
Respiratory issues
Ms. Thimmakka was admitted to a private hospital on November 2 with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and lower respiratory tract infection.
Hospital officials said that Ms. Thimmakka suffered multi organ failure due to the prolonged illness and died.
“Ms. Thimmakka was admitted at Apollo Jayanagar on November 2 with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and lower respiratory tract infection. She was under the care of a multidisciplinary team of doctors. Despite the best efforts, Ms. Thimmakka suffered multi-organ failure due to the prolonged illness and succumbed earlier today,” Govindaiah Yatheesh, chief operating officer, Apollo Specialty Hospital Bengaluru, said in a statement.
Ms. Thimmakka is survived by her foster son, Umesh B.N, whom she adopted after her husband’s demise. He is also the chairman of Saalumarada Thimmakka International Foundation.
Published – November 14, 2025 01:30 pm IST