Bengaluru: Padma Shri awardee and centenarian environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away on Friday at the age of 114, leaving the state in mourning.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, senior ministers, and prominent personalities have expressed deep condolences, hailing her life-long dedication to environmental conservation. The Karnataka government has ordered that her final rites be conducted with full state honours.
Thimmakka, fondly called the “Mother of Trees,” had been undergoing treatment for respiratory complications at a private hospital in Jayanagar, Bengaluru. Despite medical efforts, she breathed her last earlier today.
Arrangements for final viewing:
The state government and district administrations have made multiple arrangements for public viewing of the body. Her native village, Hulikal in Ramanagara district, has been prepared for the first round of final respects. Later in the night, arrangements have also been made at Belur, where she had been residing with her foster son Umesh at Balluru village.
Since Thimmakka had lived her later years with Umesh, the district authorities plan to take the mortal remains to his residence before the public darshan.
In Belur town, the Government Pre-University College grounds have been designated for mass viewing. After the ceremony, Umesh is expected to transport the body back to Hulikal.
Family’s request and ongoing confusion:
Umesh said that Thimmakka was beloved by people across Karnataka and appealed for space in Lalbagh or Cubbon Park for a memorial or burial, emphasising that thousands should get a chance to pay their respects. He thanked the Apollo Hospital medical team for their care.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters that the family had proposed two or three possible venues and that a final decision on the funeral site would be taken shortly.
Meanwhile, residents of Hulikal have formally requested the Deputy Commissioner to conduct the final rites in the village, leading to uncertainty over the final venue.
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