Renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away on Friday at a private hospital in Bengaluru. She had been unwell for some time, according to family sources. Her passing has drawn condolences from political leaders, environmentalists, and public figures nationwide, who remembered her as a true champion of nature.
Born on June 30, 1911, in Karnataka, Thimmakka emerged as a symbol of grassroots environmental activism despite having no formal education. She gained national and international acclaim for planting 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-km stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in Ramanagara district. Her dedication to nurturing trees was deeply personal. childless, she treated the saplings as her own children.
Affectionately called Saalumarada, meaning “row of trees” in Kannada, her life and work inspired generations and left a lasting impact on India’s environmental movement.
Over the years, she was honoured with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 2019, the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award (1997), the National Citizen Award (1995), and the Nadoja Award from Hampi University in 2010.
Karnataka's Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, expressed his condolences over the passing and said, "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. Though she has left us today, her love for nature has made her immortal. My respects to the great soul who has departed"
Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary life, but the trees she nurtured and the inspiration she gave to so many will keep her spirit alive.