Padma Shri Saalumarada Thimmakka: Her Life, Environmental Legacy, Awards and Contributions

Padma Shri Saalumarada Thimmakka: Her Life, Environmental Legacy, Awards and Contributions

Saalumarada Thimmakka, lovingly known as the Mother of Trees, is one of India’s most inspiring environmentalists – a woman whose simple life, extraordinary dedication, and unwavering compassion created a legacy the world celebrates today. Her work proves that one person, with enough determination, can transform the environment for generations to come.

Who Is Saalumarada Thimmakka?

Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka, born in 1911, was an Indian environmentalist from Karnataka. She was also known as Aala Marada Thimmakka, meaning “row of trees”, a name she earned by planting and nurturing 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-km stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in Ramanagara district.
Her dedication to afforestation over decades made her one of India’s most respected environmental icons.

Where Was Saalumarada Thimmakka Born?

Saalumarada Thimmakka was born on 30 June 1911, in Gubbi taluk, located in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district.

Where Did Thimmakka and Chikkayya Live?

After marrying Bikkala Chikkayya, Thimmakka moved to Hulikal village in Magadi taluk. The couple did not have children, and Thimmakka lovingly referred to her trees as her “green children.”

Over a span of nearly 80 years, they:

• Planted 385 banyan trees along State Highway 94 from Kudur to Hulikal

• Nurtured over 8,000 other trees, turning dry land into thriving green corridors

Her life remains a powerful reminder that love for nature can grow into an incredible legacy.

Awards and Recognitions

Saalumarada Thimmakka’s lifelong commitment to protecting the environment earned her several prestigious national and international honors, including:

• Padma Shri Award (2019)

• Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award (1995)

• National Citizen Award

• Nadoja Award – Hampi University (2010)

• Honorary Doctorate – Central University of Karnataka (2020)

• Environment Ambassador of Karnataka (2022), with cabinet-rank recognition

• One of the most influential and inspirational women of the world.

Her Contributions Towards the Environment

Saalumarada Thimmakka’s work created lasting ecological impact. Her major contributions include:

• Planting 385 Banyan Trees

She famously planted and nurtured 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-km stretch — watering, fencing, and caring for them for years until they grew into giant, protective trees.

•  Planting Over 8,000 Additional Trees

Beyond the banyans, she planted more than 8,000 trees, boosting greenery, biodiversity, and ecological balance across her region.

•  Preventing Soil Erosion and Offering Shade

Her banyan plantations helped:

• • Reduce soil erosion

  • Improve the microclimate

  • Provide long stretches of shade for commuters and villagers

•  Inspiring Community Participation

Her simple yet powerful work inspired students, villagers, environmental groups, and government bodies to join tree-planting and conservation activities.

• Promoting Sustainable Living

Thimmakka lived a simple, sustainable life that reflected:

• • Minimal waste

  • Deep respect for nature

  • Conscious use of resources

• Raising Awareness

She travelled to schools, events, and environmental programs to spread awareness about afforestation, water conservation, and environmental responsibility.

• Becoming a Generational Role Model

Her story influenced government-led environmental missions, NGOs, eco-clubs, and youth initiatives across India.

Why Her Story Matters Today

In a time where climate change and deforestation threaten our planet, Saalumarada Thimakka’s story shines with hope. 

She shows us that –  

• You don’t need wealth to create change
• Consistency is more powerful than convenience
• Every small act for the environment matters

Her simplicity and determination remind us that nurturing nature is not just a duty, it is a responsibility that shapes the future.

Lessons We Can Learn from Saalumarada Thimakka

• Start small. A single sapling can become a forest.
• Commit to your purpose. Her care for decades turned barren land into green corridors.
• Give back to the Earth. Even one hour of environmental action a week creates impact.
• Live sustainably. She led by example, showing that simple living and responsible choices matter.

Saalumarada Thimakka, a green hero for generations continues to inspire young environmentalists, eco clubs, and nature enthusiasts. Her story is now shared in schools, books, and environmental campaigns across the country. She proves that real heroes don’t always wear capes sometimes, they wear simplicity, grace, and mud on their hands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :Padma Shri Saalumarada Thimmakka

Who is Saalumarada Thimmakka?

Saalumarada Thimmakka was an Indian environmentalist from Karnataka, known for planting and nurturing 385 banyan trees along a highway and over 8,000 additional trees. She is fondly called the Mother of Trees.

 Why is she called “Saalumarada” Thimmakka?

The name Saalumarada means “row of trees” in Kannada. She received this title because of the long rows of banyan trees she planted and cared for between Hulikal and Kudur.

 What is Saalumarada Thimmakka’s most famous contribution?

Her most famous contribution is planting 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-km stretch of highway, transforming a barren road into a green corridor.

Which awards did Saalumarada Thimmakka receive?

She received several prestigious awards, including Padma Shri (2019) ,Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award, National Citizen Award, Nadoja Award and Honorary Doctorate from Central University of Karnataka

What inspired Thimmakka to plant trees?

Thimmakka and her husband were unable to have children, so they began planting trees and caring for them like their own. Over time, this grew into a lifelong mission of environmental service.

How did Saalumarada Thimmakka contribute to environmental awareness?

She raised awareness by participating in environmental programs, inspiring communities to plant trees, promoting sustainable living, and serving as a role model for eco-friendly initiatives across India.

Where can we buy books?

We can buy books at Bookosmia and Amazon.

Here are some intersting book published by Bookosmia.

1. The Search for The Lost Pixie | A Children’s Book for Age 8+

   • Available on Bookosmia’s shop. Bookosmia

   • A tale of a young wizard Ronald assembling a band of friends to face challenges. Themes: collaboration, trust, facing adversity.

   • If you like the dynamic of putting friendship to the test, this may resonate.

2. Cordelia: A Tale of Grace and Grit | Children’s Adventure Book 7+

   • Also from Bookosmia’s shop. Bookosmia

   • Focuses on a protagonist (Cordelia) overcoming unexpected challenges in pursuit of her dream. Themes: resilience, personal strength, relationships (less overtly about betrayal but strong personal agency).

3. Mahabharata–Unheard Voices | A collection of stories

   • From Bookosmia. Bookosmia

   • A collection of stories from lesser‐heard characters in the Mahabharata, exploring perspectives, morality, trust, betrayal, and alliances. The more complex relational dynamics match your theme of “bad company” and consequences.

***

This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, bedtime stories and more related to kids and young adults.

Photo Credit – AI generated images from Chat GPT and Magic Media from Canva .

Want to publish your articles, reviews, stories, audio stories, bedtime stories and poems ?

Did you know that children can submit audio stories to be turned into Bedtime Stories and published on Bedtime Stories – A Podcast by Bookosmia?

Write to us at sara@bookosmia.com or submit your article at the link below

Get Published

Read More

The Breathtaking Adventure to Shenandoah National Park I Blog By Param, 12, Boston