Sexual thimmakka pass away at 114, Padma Shri Awarddee Leaves Behind A Legacy Of 385 Banyan Trees

Padma Shri awardee and renowned environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Friday. The 114-year-old had been unwell for some time and was undergoing treatment when she breathed her last, her family sources said. Born on June 30, 1911, Thimmakka earned the title Saalumarada after planting 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-km stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in Ramanagara district. With no formal education, she began planting and nurturing the trees, treating them as her children to cope with the void of being childless.
Thimmakka received 12 major awards for her work, including the Padma Shri in 2019, the Nadoja Award from Hampi University in 2010, the National Citizen Award in 1995 and the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award in 1997.

Tributes from Karnataka CM and Environment minister

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah posted his on X, saying he was “deeply saddened” by the news. He said Timmakka, who planted thousands of trees and nurtured them like her own children, had dedicated most of her life to environmental conservation. He added that her love for nature had made her “immortal” and that the region had become poorer with her demise. “My salutations to the departed great soul. I pray that the departed soul attains eternal peace. My condolences to their family,” he said.

Karnataka environment minister Eshwar Khandre visited Apollo Hospital in Jayanagar to pay his respects. He said the Padma Shri awardee, who nurtured trees like her own children, was a “living embodiment of love for the environment.” He added that her selfless service, simplicity and affection would remain an “eternal inspiration.”

(With inputs from PTI)