In an era where climate change headlines dominate, the story of Saalumarada Thimmakka stands as a timeless testament to individual action against environmental degradation. Born in rural Karnataka over a century ago, this illiterate laborer transformed personal sorrow into a verdant revolution, planting over 8,000 trees that now shade generations. As of November 16, 2025, global searches for Saalumarada Thimmakka have surged by more than 500% in the past 48 hours, driven by tributes following her peaceful passing on November 14 at age 114. Dubbed the “Mother of Trees” or “Vruksha Mata,” her banyan-lined highway remains a living monument to resilience.
If you’re searching for who was Saalumarada Thimmakka, her tree-planting journey, awards like the Padma Shri, or the environmental legacy that inspired the world, this definitive guide delivers verified facts—no speculation, just her profound impact. From her childless couple’s first sapling in 1954 to international honors and recent state funerals, explore how one woman’s quiet determination redefined grassroots conservation for a global audience. Her story isn’t just history; it’s a blueprint for planetary healing.
Saalumarada Thimmakka: Early Life in Rural Karnataka – From Quarry Laborer to Environmental Pioneer
Saalumarada Thimmakka entered the world on June 30, 1911, in the modest village of Gubbi, Tumakuru district (then part of the Kingdom of Mysore, now Karnataka, India). Born into poverty as one of six children, she never attended school, a common fate for girls in early 20th-century rural India. Instead, young Thimmakka toiled as a daily-wage laborer in a local quarry, hauling stones and supporting her family by grazing cattle and sheep. Her early years were marked by hardship, yet they instilled a deep affinity for the land—fields that sustained her and forests that offered solace.
At an early age, Thimmakka married Chikkaiah, a fellow villager from Hulikal in Ramanagara district, and they settled into a simple life of farming and labor. The couple faced profound grief: they remained childless, a source of social stigma in their community. Rather than succumb to despair, Thimmakka and Chikkaiah channeled their longing into nurturing the earth. “Trees became our children,” she later reflected in rare interviews. This pivotal shift in the 1950s laid the foundation for her legendary legacy, proving that environmentalism can bloom from personal pain.
Thimmakka’s unlettered wisdom—rooted in observation of seasonal monsoons, soil health, and native species—guided her every step. Her story resonates globally today, especially amid 2025’s escalating climate crises, reminding us that formal education isn’t a prerequisite for profound change.
Key Milestones in Saalumarada Thimmakka’s Early Years
- 1911: Birth in Gubbi village, Tumakuru district, into a poor family of six children.
- Childhood Labor: Worked in quarries and as a shepherdess, gaining intimate knowledge of Karnataka’s arid landscapes.
- Marriage to Chikkaiah: Settled in Hulikal; faced childlessness, sparking their tree-planting ritual.
- 1950s Onset: Began grafting banyan saplings, treating each as a “child” to nurture through monsoons.
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s Tree-Planting Legacy: From 10 Saplings to 8,000 Green Guardians
The heart of Saalumarada Thimmakka’s legacy beats along a 4.5-kilometer stretch of State Highway 94 between Hulikal and Kudur in Ramanagara district, now a lush corridor of towering banyans. Starting in 1954, Thimmakka and Chikkaiah planted their first 10 banyan (Ficus benghalensis) saplings—sourced from wild grafts near their village—along the dusty road. They escalated ambitiously: 15 the next year, 20 the following, reaching 384 (often cited as 385) by the 1980s.
With no resources beyond sheer will, the couple carried four pails of water over four kilometers daily to irrigate the young trees, shielding them from livestock with thorny fences and timing plantings to the monsoon for natural rooting. These banyans, now over 70 years old, form a natural canopy valued at approximately ₹1.5 million (about $18,000 USD) in ecological and aesthetic worth. Management transferred to the Karnataka government in the 1990s ensures their protection.
Beyond the highway, Thimmakka’s efforts expanded: she planted nearly 8,000 additional trees across Karnataka, including fruit-bearing varieties for community benefit. She spearheaded afforestation drives, rainwater harvesting tanks for village fairs, and advocated for sustainable practices. In 2019, when road-widening threatened her “children,” Thimmakka’s plea to then-Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy prompted realignment to spare the trees—a testament to her revered status.
Her methods were elegantly simple yet scientifically sound: prioritizing native species for biodiversity, community involvement for upkeep, and viewing trees as familial bonds. Globally, her work prefigured modern reforestation models, influencing initiatives like India’s Green India Mission.
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s Major Tree-Planting Achievements
| Milestone | Year(s) | Details | Impact Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Banyan Saplings | 1954–1956 | Planted 10, then 15, then 20 saplings along Hulikal-Kudur highway. | Foundation of 4.5 km green corridor. |
| Full Highway Avenue | 1954–1980s | 385 banyans completed; daily watering and protection rituals. | Shades travelers; biodiversity hub. |
| Broader Plantings | 1980s–2010s | ~8,000 additional trees, including orchards for villages. | Supports local wildlife and economy. |
| Community Projects | 1990s–2020s | Rainwater tanks, afforestation campaigns; inspired state tree parks. | Models for grassroots conservation. |
Why Is Saalumarada Thimmakka Trending Globally in November 2025? Tributes to the Eternal Green Crusader
The internet—and the world—mourns and celebrates Saalumarada Thimmakka’s death in 2025 after her passing on November 14 at a Bengaluru hospital, succumbing to age-related respiratory issues following multiple hospitalizations. At 114, she outlived two centuries, her final years marked by a successful hip surgery in 2020 and unwavering advocacy.
News of her demise sparked a digital deluge: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared her “immortal through her love for the environment,” announcing state honors for her funeral on November 16 at Bangalore University’s Jnanabharathi campus. Tributes poured from global figures—Sadhguru hailed her as a “personification of unwavering commitment,” while BJP leader K. Annamalai shared personal memories from his police days in Karnataka. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #SaalumaradaThimmakka trended worldwide, with users vowing to plant trees in her honor.
This surge aligns with 2025’s climate urgency—COP30 preparations and India’s net-zero pledges—positioning Thimmakka as a folk hero for sustainable living. Her highway, now a protected eco-corridor, symbolizes hope amid deforestation crises.
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s Awards and Honors: Padma Shri to Global Acclaim
Saalumarada Thimmakka‘s contributions earned her 12 major awards, recognizing her as India’s preeminent grassroots environmentalist. The pinnacle: Padma Shri in 2019, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, presented by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a touching moment, the 107-year-old Thimmakka blessed the President, reversing tradition.
Other accolades include the National Citizen’s Award (1995) for civic excellence, Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award (1997) for forestry, and Nadoja Award (2010) from Hampi Kannada University. In 2020, Central University of Karnataka conferred an honorary doctorate. Globally, the BBC named her among the 100 most influential women in 2016, and a California-based NGO, Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education, bears her name.
Karnataka honored her with the Rajyotsava Award and Vishalakshi Award, while the state established “Saalumarada Thimmakka Tree Parks” in every assembly constituency. These recognitions underscore her role in elevating indigenous conservation to national policy.
Timeline of Saalumarada Thimmakka’s Key Awards
| Award Name | Year | Presented By/For |
|---|---|---|
| National Citizen’s Award | 1995 | Government of India; Civic contributions. |
| Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra | 1997 | Ministry of Environment; Tree conservation. |
| Nadoja Award | 2010 | Hampi Kannada University; Lifetime achievement. |
| Padma Shri | 2019 | President of India; Social and environmental work. |
| Honorary Doctorate | 2020 | Central University of Karnataka; Environmentalism. |
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s Family and Personal Life: Simplicity, Sorrow, and Steadfast Love
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s personal world was as humble as her public one. Married to Chikkaiah until his death in 1991, the couple shared a bond forged in shared labor and loss. Childless by biology, they adopted Umesh B.N. as their foster son in the 1990s; he now chairs the Saalumarada Thimmakka International Foundation, perpetuating her work.
Living on a modest government pension in Hulikal, Thimmakka shunned luxury, channeling any aid into community projects like a dreamed-of village hospital in Chikkaiah’s memory. Her 2014 complaint against a comedian misusing her name for a non-profit was resolved in the courts, highlighting her protective zeal for her legacy.
Disclaimer on Unverified Claims: All details here draw from confirmed sources like government records and biographies. Occasional unconfirmed anecdotes (e.g., exact sapling counts varying slightly) are noted for transparency. This article is for inspirational and informational use; we assume no liability for evolving historical interpretations.
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s Global Impact: Inspiring Movements from Karnataka to California
Thimmakka’s influence transcends borders, embodying the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on life on land (SDG 13). Her highway avenue inspired Karnataka’s tree park network and national afforestation drives. The 1999 Kannada documentary Thimmakka Mathu 284 Makkalu (Thimmakka and Her 284 Children) premiered at the 2000 International Film Festival of India, amplifying her story worldwide.
In the U.S., her namesake NGO in Los Angeles and Oakland promotes urban greening, while global educators use her tale in curricula on climate action. Post-2025 passing, initiatives like Isha Foundation’s tree-planting vows honor her, linking her to movements like #SaveSoil. Economically, her trees boost local tourism and carbon sequestration, valued at millions in ecosystem services.
Thimmakka’s net worth? Negligible in material terms, but infinite in legacy—proving environmental heroism needs no fortune, only fortitude.
Saalumarada Thimmakka FAQs: Answering Your Questions on the Mother of Trees (2025 Edition)
Q :- Who was Saalumarada Thimmakka?
Saalumarada Thimmakka (1911–2025) was an Indian environmentalist from Karnataka, known as the “Mother of Trees” for planting 385 banyan trees along a 4.5 km highway and over 8,000 others, treating them as her children.
Q :- When and how did Saalumarada Thimmakka die?
She passed away on November 14, 2025, at age 114 in Bengaluru due to age-related respiratory issues after prolonged hospitalization.
Q :- Why is Saalumarada Thimmakka trending in November 2025?
Her death on November 14 sparked global tributes, surging searches by 500%+. Leaders like Sadhguru and CM Siddaramaiah honored her legacy amid climate talks.
Q :- What is Saalumarada Thimmakka’s tree-planting story?
Starting in 1954 with her husband Chikkaiah, she planted banyan saplings along Hulikal-Kudur highway to cope with childlessness, nurturing 385 trees over decades.
Q :- How many trees did Saalumarada Thimmakka plant?
She planted 385 banyan trees on the highway and nearly 8,000 others across Karnataka, focusing on native species for shade and sustainability.
Q :- Did Saalumarada Thimmakka receive the Padma Shri?
Yes, in 2019, she was awarded the Padma Shri by President Ram Nath Kovind for environmental conservation; she blessed him during the ceremony.
Q :- What other awards did Saalumarada Thimmakka win?
She received 12 honors, including National Citizen’s Award (1995), Nadoja Award (2010), Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra (1997), and an honorary doctorate (2020).
Q :- Where is Saalumarada Thimmakka’s famous tree avenue?
Along State Highway 94, 4.5 km between Hulikal and Kudur, Ramanagara district, Karnataka—now a protected green corridor managed by the state.
Q :- Was Saalumarada Thimmakka married? Did she have children?
Married to Chikkaiah (d. 1991); childless biologically, but adopted foster son Umesh B.N., who leads her foundation.
Q :- What was Saalumarada Thimmakka’s education level?
None—she was illiterate but self-taught in environmental practices through rural life and observation.
Q :- How did Saalumarada Thimmakka care for her trees?
Carried water daily, used thorny fences for protection, planted during monsoons; viewed them as “children” for emotional and ecological nurturing.
Q :- Was there a documentary on Saalumarada Thimmakka?
Yes, Thimmakka Mathu 284 Makkalu (1999), screened at the 2000 International Film Festival of India, highlighting her early efforts.
Q :- Did Saalumarada Thimmakka face threats to her trees?
In 2019, road widening endangered them; her appeal to Karnataka leaders led to project realignment to save the 70-year-old banyans.
Q :- What is the Saalumarada Thimmakka International Foundation?
Founded to continue her work; chaired by foster son Umesh, it promotes tree planting and awards like the National Greenery Award.
Q :- Was Saalumarada Thimmakka recognized internationally?
Yes—BBC’s 100 Influential Women (2016); U.S. NGO Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education named after her.
Q :- Where was Saalumarada Thimmakka buried?
With full state honors on November 16, 2025, at Kalagrama, Jnanabharathi campus, Bangalore University, Bengaluru.
Q :- What can we learn from Saalumarada Thimmakka’s life?
Individual action matters: From poverty to global icon, her story teaches resilience, community care, and viewing nature as family.
Q :- Did Saalumarada Thimmakka inspire government policies?
Yes—Karnataka’s tree parks in every constituency and afforestation drives draw from her model; influenced national green initiatives.
Q :- What was Saalumarada Thimmakka’s health like in later years?
Suffered breathing issues; underwent hip surgery in 2020; lived simply on pension until her 2025 passing.
Q :- How to honor Saalumarada Thimmakka’s legacy?
Plant a native tree, visit her avenue, support her foundation, or join drives like #SaveSoil—her message: “Trees are gifts to future generations.”
Q :- Was Saalumarada Thimmakka involved in other projects?
Yes—rainwater harvesting tanks for village events and advocacy for a community hospital in her husband’s memory.
Q :- What is the ecological value of Saalumarada Thimmakka’s trees?
Her banyans sequester carbon, provide shade/biodiversity, boost tourism; estimated ₹1.5 million asset value.
Final Reflections: Saalumarada Thimmakka’s Eternal Shade – A Call to Plant for Tomorrow
As the world bids adieu to Saalumarada Thimmakka in 2025, her 385 banyans stand sentinel, whispering lessons of perseverance. “Plant a tree; it’s a gift to your grandchildren,” she urged. In a time of wildfires and floods, her life urges us: Start small, nurture deeply. Honor her by digging soil today—visit her avenue, join a planting drive, or share her story.
Last Updated: November 16, 2025 | For more on global eco-heroes, subscribe to our newsletter :- CelebCars.in
