Saalumarada Thimmakka: The 114-Year Journey of a Tree Mother

Saalumarada Thimmakka lovingly called “Vruksha Maate” or Mother of Trees lived for 114 years, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in nature. Born on June 30, 1911, in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district, Thimmakka had no formal education, yet she built something extraordinary: a living monument of trees. Unable to have children, she and her husband, Chikkayya, began planting banyan saplings along a stretch of road between Hulikal and Kudur. Over decades, they nurtured 385 banyan trees, caring for them like daughters and sons, watering them patiently, protecting them from grazing cattle, and walking miles each day to fetch water.  

Her vision grew beyond those initial trees. She went on to plant nearly 8,000 other saplings, transforming barren roadsides into green corridors. Her dedication was quiet, consistent, and selfless a powerful reminder that real change often comes from simple, sustained effort.

Over her lifetime, Thimmakka received many honours. In 2019, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her environmental work.  Despite national recognition, she remained humble, rooted in the same mission she started her journey with.

Thimmakka’s life was more than symbolic. Trees she planted served as shelter for birds, provided shade, and improved local air quality. She showed how environmental care isn’t just a responsibility, it’s a way of living. Her work inspired countless grassroots conservation efforts in Karnataka and beyond.  

On November 14, 2025, she passed away in Bengaluru after a brief illness.   Her funeral was marked with full state honours, reflecting the impact she had on her land and its people. Even in her absence, Thimmakka’s influence lives on. Her trees stand tall a testament to her belief that one person’s kindness can change the world. In an era of climate crisis, her life remains a powerful message: caring for the planet is not just action, it’s devotion.