In a world that seeks environmental saviours, Saalumarada Thimmakka emerges as one of the living embodiments of people’s conservation efforts. She was a native of Karnataka and a labourer with no education who managed to turn her own tragedy into one of the greatest ecological wonders in India. With no formal education, money, or any modern equipment, she and her husband planted hundreds of banyan trees in a barren area along a highway and created a green canopy. Below are the amazing biography, accomplishments, and legacy of the mother of trees.
Who Was Saalumarada Thimmakka?
Saalumarada Thimmakka, born around 1911, belonged to Gubbi Taluk in Tumakuru district of Karnataka State. Saalumarada Thimmakka was not educated and had been a casual quarry worker at a young age. Saalumarada Thimmakka was married to Chikkaiah, who was a casual labourer too. Both of them suffered from social stigma and personal loss because they did not have any children and hence devoted their love and passion to nature.
Why Was Saalumarada Thimmakka Known as the Mother of Trees?
The honorific prefix 'Saalumarada' means ‘a row of trees’ in the Kannada language. Saalumarada Thimmakka was named so – along with the endearing name of 'Vriksha Matha' due to her motherly love for the saplings that she planted:
Planting a Green Corridor: In the 1940s, Thimmakka and her husband grafted the banyan saplings and planted them along a 45-kilometre stretch of highway running between Hulikal and Kudur.
Motherly Love: As water transportation facilities were not available, they had to carry water pails over large distances in the scorching heat to water the saplings. To save them from cattle, they erected thorny fences around the trees.
Nurturing More Than 8000 Trees: Apart from the 385 famous banyan trees lining the highway, she also planted more than 8000 trees in various parts of Karnataka during her lifetime.
When Did Saalumarada Thimmakka Receive the Padma Shri?
On the occasion of 15 March 2019, India’s 107-year-old Saalumarada Thimmakka received the Padma Shri Award from President Ram Nath Kovind for her outstanding contribution to the conservation of nature. A memorable moment from the award ceremony that came to worldwide attention was when she blessed the President by touching his forehead.
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What Is Saalumarada Thimmakka's Legacy in Environmental Conservation?
Saalumarada Thimmakka died in November 2025 when she was 114 years old. She left behind a strong legacy for environmental advocacy as follows:
She demonstrated that there was nothing special about having education, money, or any organisation to protect the environment. She showed dedication and love for Mother Earth.
She was nominated in the BBC's 100 Most Influential Women List of 2016. She attracted global attention to the practice of indigenous tree planting.
When her 70-year-old banyan trees were in danger of being uprooted due to road widening in 2019, she had to start a petition, which saved her children.
Conclusion
The story of Saalumarada Thimmakka’s transformation from a quarry labourer to a renowned Padma Shri recipient symbolises the potential that lies in one person’s dedication. The lines of banyan trees planted by her would keep on providing shade, shelter, and inspiration to many more coming generations.
Image credits: Instagram
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