Saalumarada Thimmakka: The Mother of Trees

Discover the inspiring story of Saalumarada Thimmakka, an environmentalist from India who turned her grief into green glory by planting and nurturing over 8,000 trees, leaving behind a legacy of sustainability and hope.

Saalumarada Thimmakka, known as the “Mother of Trees,” is an environmentalist whose dedication transformed barren lands into lush greenery. Overcoming personal challenges, she and her husband planted and nurtured more than 8,000 trees, showcasing the power of resilience and love for nature. Born into poverty and childless, Thimmakka’s remarkable journey is a testament to how one person’s determination can inspire global environmental action. Her efforts have earned her international recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri Award, making her an icon of sustainability. Learn how her story of planting banyan trees along desolate highways serves as a lesson in eco-conscious living and a call to action for a greener world. Celebrate the life of Saalumarada Thimmakka, whose work reminds us of the incredible impact of small, meaningful acts of environmental care.

The story of Saalumarada Thimmakka is not just about planting trees—it is a testament to resilience, love for nature, and the determination to create a lasting impact. Known as the “Mother of Trees,” Thimmakka’s journey is an inspiring narrative of how one woman transformed barren landscapes into lush greenery, leaving an indelible mark on environmental conservation.

Saalumarada Thimmakka was born in 1910 (or 1919, as per different accounts) in the drought-prone village of Gubbi Taluk, Karnataka, India. Growing up in extreme poverty, she had no formal education and worked as a laborer to make ends meet. Married to Chikkaiah, a fellow laborer, their life was fraught with challenges, including their inability to have children—a reality that subjected them to societal ridicule.

Instead of succumbing to despair, Thimmakka and her husband decided to channel their love and energy into nurturing something they could leave behind for future generations. In 1948, they began planting banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis) along a desolate stretch of highway near their village.

Without any external help or resources, the couple started planting saplings along the four-kilometer road from Hulikal to Kudur. They carried water in pots from distant wells and tended to the young trees diligently, protecting them from drought, grazing animals, and other threats. Despite their limited means, their dedication turned the barren roadside into a flourishing green corridor.

Over the years, the couple planted and nurtured more than 384 banyan trees, along with other species, creating an ecosystem that provided shade, oxygen, and shelter for countless people and animals. The trees they planted not only beautified the landscape but also became a symbol of their resilience and unwavering commitment to nature.

Recognition and Legacy :

For decades, Saalumarada Thimmakka’s work went unnoticed. However, her tireless efforts eventually caught the attention of the world. She received numerous awards and accolades, including:

• The National Citizen’s Award in 1995.
• The Padma Shri Award in 2019, one of India’s highest civilian honors.
• Recognition from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Despite the global recognition, Thimmakka remains humble and continues to advocate for environmental conservation. She encourages people to plant trees and protect the environment, emphasizing that even small actions can lead to significant change.

As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, Thimmakka’s story reminds us of our responsibility to protect the planet. By following her example, we can contribute to building a greener, more sustainable future for ourselves and the generations to come.

The trees that Saalumarada Thimmakka planted will continue to provide shade and oxygen for decades, standing tall as living monuments to her enduring spirit and love for nature. Let her story inspire us all to plant the seeds of change, one tree at a time.