Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 14: Padma Shri awardee Salumarada Thimmakka, widely known as the ‘Mother of Trees’, passed away on Friday. She had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Jayanagar due to health complications but failed to respond to treatment and died on Friday afternoon.

According to hospital sources, Thimmakka (114) had been suffering from respiratory issues. Despite continued medical care, she passed away at around 12 noon.

Born on June 30, 1911, in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district, Thimmakka was married to Chikkayya from Hulikal village. The couple had no children, and to overcome the sorrow of childlessness, she began planting banyan saplings along roadsides, nurturing them as her own children. This selfless act earned her the name Salumarada Thimmakka.

In recognition of her remarkable contributions to environmental conservation, Thimmakka received numerous national and international honours. Despite being unlettered, her dedication earned her the prestigious Rajyotsava Award, the Vishalakshi Award from the Art of Living Foundation, the 2010 Nadoja Award, and the Padma Shri in 2019. In 2020, the Central University of Karnataka conferred upon her an honorary doctorate.

Thimmakka’s legacy as an environmental champion continues to inspire generations. Several political leaders and prominent personalities have expressed their condolences over her demise.