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Bengaluru: Renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri recipient ‘Saalumarada’ Thimmakka has died on November 14 at the age of 114 at a private hospital in Bengaluru. Thimmakka was widely known for planting and caring for hundreds of banyan trees along a national highway. She did the job with her late husband, and for which she received several honours.
Thimmakka was originally from Gubbi taluk in Tumakuru district of Karnataka. After her marriage to Bikkala Chikkayya, she moved to Hulikal village in Magadi taluk. The couple, who had no children, went on to plant 385 banyan trees along State Highway 94, stretching from Kudur to Hulikal, and nurtured them for years.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah shared his condolences on X, writing that he was deeply saddened by her death. He said Thimmakka had planted thousands of trees and cared for them like her own children, dedicating most of her life to protecting the environment. He added that although she is no longer alive, her contribution to nature makes her immortal, and said the State has lost someone truly precious. He prayed for peace to her soul and offered condolences to her family.
The CM said, “Even though Timmakka has left us today, her love for the environment has made her immortal. My salutations to the departed great soul. The region has become poorer with the demise of Salumara Timmakka. I pray that the departed soul attains eternal peace. My condolences to their family.”
Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre also paid tribute to her. He said Thimmakka, often called “Vriksha Mata,” showed the world the value of greenery by raising trees with the affection of a mother. He noted that despite having no formal education, she made a remarkable contribution to environmental conservation, received an honorary doctorate, and was honoured with top awards including the Padma Shri.
Khandre added, “It brings me great joy that our department has established tree gardens in memory of Salumarada Thimmakka.”
Thimmakka received the Padma Shri in 2019 for her work in social and environmental causes. In September, she had been admitted to a private hospital after experiencing weakness and loss of appetite. She had recovered and was discharged after treatment.
