Padma Shri Saalumarada Thimmakka has passed away

Padma Shri Saalumarada Thimmakka: The renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka has passed away at the age of 114. She passed away after a period of illness. She had been admitted to Apollo Speciality Hospital, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, after complaining of weakness and loss of appetite.

She was previously hospitalized in October 2023 for severe respiratory issues (bronchial asthma) and had undergone an angioplasty after suffering a heart attack.

Saalumarada Thimmakka was a legendary figure in India, affectionately known as “Vrukshamate” (Mother of Trees) or “Saalu Marada Thimmakka.” The term “Saalumarada” means “a row of trees” in Kannada, referencing her most famous work.

She is noted for her selfless work, along with her late husband Chikkaiah, of planting and tending to 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-kilometre (2.8 mi) stretch of highway between Hulikal and Kudur, Ramanagara District, Karnataka.She is credited with planting nearly 8,000 other trees as well.

The couple, who were unable to have children, found solace and purpose in nurturing the saplings as their own children, diligently carrying water for them for kilometers, particularly during the dry season.

She was born on June 30, 1911, in Gubbi Taluk, Tumakuru district, Karnataka. She received no formal education and worked as a casual labourer in a nearby quarry.

Awards and Recognition:

Padma Shri (2019): One of India’s highest civilian awards.

National Citizen’s Award of India.

Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra (Friend of Trees) Award (1997).

BBC’s 100 Women (2016).

An environmental organization in the U.S., Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education, is named after her.

Tributes are pouring in from across the nation for her lifetime of selfless service and dedication to nature.

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