The nation mourns the loss of one of its most beloved environmental icons, Saalumarada Thimmakka, who passed away on a Monday evening. The Padma Shri awardee was approximately 112 years old and had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru. Her death marks the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to environmental conservation.
A Legacy Forged in Green: The Remarkable Journey
Born in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district, Thimmakka's story is one of profound resilience and love for nature. Unable to bear children, she and her late husband, Sri Bikkalu Chikkanna, channeled their parental affection into nurturing trees. What began as a personal quest for meaning blossomed into a monumental environmental movement.
Their most famous achievement was planting and nurturing over 400 banyan trees along a four-kilometre stretch of highway between Kudur and Hulikal villages. This incredible feat, accomplished with minimal resources and immense dedication, earned her the prefix 'Saalumarada', which means 'a row of trees' in Kannada. Beyond this famous stretch, her life's work encompassed the planting of an estimated 8,000 trees, a testament to her unwavering commitment.
Recognition and Honors for an Environmental Saint
Thimmakka's silent, impactful work did not go unnoticed. She received numerous accolades that brought her grassroots mission to a national and international audience. In 2019, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award. This was a fitting recognition for a woman who had given so much to the planet.
Her trophy cabinet also included the National Citizen's Award and the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award. Furthermore, the state government of Karnataka recognized her contributions with the prestigious Rajyotsava Award. These awards were not merely personal achievements but symbols of the importance of community-driven environmentalism.
The End of an Era and a Lasting Impact
The news of her passing was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences, acknowledging her unparalleled service to the environment. He stated that the last rites would be performed with full state honors in her native village of Hulikal, a final salute to a true people's hero.
Saalumarada Thimmakka's life was a powerful lesson in turning personal adversity into a gift for all humanity. She proved that one person, armed with nothing but determination, can create a lasting legacy. Her story continues to inspire millions of citizens, schoolchildren, and environmental activists across India and the world. While she may have left this world, the thousands of trees she planted stand as a living, breathing memorial to her spirit, offering shade, clean air, and inspiration for generations to come.
