‘Saalumarada’ Thimmakka with the trees she planted along with her husband Chikkaiah at Hulikal village near Nelamangala in Bengaluru North district of Karnataka. | Photo credit: K. Bhagya Prakash
Environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee ‘Saalumarada’ Thimmakka dies aged 114. Thimmakka breathed her last on November 14 at a private hospital in Bengarur.
With her late husband, she is known for planting and tending banyan trees along the national highway, for which she was honored with several awards.
Thimmakka hailed from Gubbi taluk in Tumakuru district of Karnataka. After marrying Bikkala Chikkayya, she moved to Hulikal village in Magadi taluk. A childless couple planted 385 banyan trees on National Road 94 from Kudur to Hulikal.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote on X, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of Salumarada Thimmakka. Thimmakka, who planted thousands of trees and looked after them like her own children, devoted most of her life to protecting the environment. Though Thimmakka has left us today, her love for the environment has become poor. My devotional tributes have made her an immortal soul. With the demise of Saalumarada Thimmakka, i pray that her departed soul may attain eternal peace.
Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre condoled the demise of Thimmakka.
“Thimmakka, who was known as Vriksha Mata, spread the meaning of greenery to the world by growing trees as her children. Despite being illiterate, she did great work in environmental protection and received an honorary doctorate and highest awards, including the Padma Shri,” Mr. Khandre said in his condolence message.
Thimmakka was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019 for Social Work-Environment.
In September, she was admitted to a private hospital two days ago after complaining of weakness and loss of appetite. After recovery, she was released.
Published – 14 Nov 2025 13:30 IST
