Key Takeaways
- Saalumarada Thimmakka, India’s beloved ‘tree-mother’, passed away in Bengaluru.
- She was famous for planting and nurturing 384 banyan trees with her husband.
- Her spontaneous blessing of President Kovind during her 2019 Padma Shri award became an iconic moment.
India mourns the loss of environmental icon Saalumarada Thimmakka, who died today at a Bengaluru hospital. The centenarian leaves behind a powerful legacy of environmental conservation that inspired millions.
The Iconic Presidential Blessing
During her 2019 Padma Shri ceremony, a heartfelt moment captured the nation’s attention. As President Ram Nath Kovind presented the award, Thimmakka, dressed in traditional saree, spontaneously raised her hand to bless him. This humble gesture perfectly reflected the woman whose kindness matched the towering banyan trees she planted.
From Barren Roads to Green Corridors
Born in Hulikal village in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district, Thimmakka began her environmental journey with her husband Chikkaiah. Together they transformed a barren roadside stretch into a lush green corridor, nurturing 384 banyan trees. This extraordinary feat earned her the name ‘Saalumarada’, meaning ‘rows of trees’ in Kannada.
A Legacy Beyond Trees
Thimmakka’s impact extended far beyond reforestation. She became a symbol of grassroots environmentalism, inspiring nationwide awareness campaigns and community planting movements. She demonstrated that environmental love begins with persistence and moral duty, not wealth or privilege.
Despite receiving numerous state and national honors, she remained deeply connected to her simple roots. Throughout her life, she continued advocating for nature conservation, reminding younger generations that every tree is a blessing for the future.
While her passing marks the end of an era, Thimmakka’s message continues through every sapling and shaded road she helped create – a living tribute to a woman who transformed care into forests.
