Salumarada Thimmakka: At a time when the world cries out over the destruction of forests, when concrete jungles continue to replace lush green lands, and when environmental sustainability often seems like a slogan rather than action, the story of Salumarada Thimmakka, a centenarian woman from Karnataka, stands as a beacon of inspiration. Known lovingly as the ‘Tree Mother of India’, Thimmakka has shown that true change starts from within—with love, determination, and quiet resilience.
Born in Gubbi Taluk in Karnataka’s Tumkur district, Thimmakka, now well over 112 years old, has spent the majority of her life planting, nurturing, and protecting trees—not for fame or recognition, but out of a mother’s love for life and the planet.
When Trees Become Children
Thimmakka and her husband Chikka were a childless couple. In a society where childlessness often attracts social scorn and emotional emptiness, they chose to channel their pain into something larger than themselves—planting trees.
What started as an act of healing soon became a mission. From their village to a distance of 5 kilometers, the couple began planting banyan saplings—15 in the beginning, which eventually grew into a flourishing line of 384 mighty banyan trees. Each tree was treated as a child—watered regularly, protected from animals with thorny fences, and nurtured against all odds.
Their love for the trees earned her the name “Salumarada,” meaning “row of trees” in Kannada. Though born Alamaraada Thimmakka, this new name became her identity, tied forever with green legacy.
A Life Rooted in Struggle and Soil
Thimmakka’s journey wasn’t easy. With no financial backing, no government assistance, and no social privilege, she and her husband depended solely on their physical labor and meager earnings. Even as they aged, the trees continued to grow, demanding more care—and they provided it without complaint.
In 1991, Thimmakka’s husband passed away. Many would have given up in such a situation. But not her. Alone, she continued planting trees, extending her green family with the same dedication.
Today, the number of trees she’s planted has surpassed 8,000, including numerous fruit-bearing, medicinal, and shade-giving species. Her life is not just a tribute to trees, but to unwavering commitment.
When the Government Listened to a Mother’s Tears
In 2019, the Karnataka government planned to expand the Hulaguru Road—a road lined with 385 banyan trees planted by Thimmakka herself. The plan required the trees to be cut down.
The announcement was met with widespread public outrage. Thimmakka, despite her age, voiced her sorrow and disappointment. Her grief moved not just environmentalists, but common citizens across the nation. Eventually, the government revised its plans, and the trees were spared—a rare victory of emotion and environment over bureaucracy.
Fame, Awards, and Simplicity
For her decades-long dedication to afforestation, Thimmakka has received several accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019, along with numerous national and international awards and honors. She has also been featured in international environmental forums and was listed by the BBC among the most influential women in the world.
Financially, she has received awards amounting to lakhs and even crores in value. Yet, this remarkable woman continues to live a humble life close to the soil, under the shade of the very trees she nurtured. No mansions, no riches—just a heart full of green and a life devoted to the earth.
Trees Are Life: The Message of Thimmakka
Thimmakka’s life teaches a powerful, timeless message:
“A single tree can be a source of life for hundreds. Plant a tree, and you plant hope.”
At a time when global warming melts glaciers, rising sea levels threaten coastal cities, and wildfires rage through the Amazon, Thimmakka silently continues her work—making the planet livable again.
Her story counters the narrative that saving the planet requires money or policy—it just needs a human being with care, vision, and consistency.
A Symbol of Global Environmental Leadership
On World Environment Day, when global leaders pledge climate action, it is Thimmakka’s name that should be remembered first. She demonstrates that environmental protection is not the sole responsibility of governments—it is a personal and moral duty.
Without formal education, without institutional support, without fame in the beginning—Thimmakka’s journey proves that even one individual can leave behind a forest for future generations.
A Living Monument of Green Devotion
If there is a human monument to trees, it is Salumarada Thimmakka. She does not preach; she plants. She does not demand; she delivers. Her quiet, grounded presence speaks louder than any climate summit or political statement.
Even today, she remains actively involved in spreading awareness among school children and village communities, urging them to take up tree planting as a sacred mission.
Final Reflections: Growing More Than Trees
Thimmakka’s story is not just about planting trees. It’s about:
- Turning pain into purpose
- Defying societal norms through compassion
- Teaching that real wealth lies in nature
- And showing how a mother’s love can extend beyond species
Her green children are now homes to birds, insects, and shade for travelers. They breathe life into the air, regulate temperature, and silently thank their planter.
A Call to Action
As we face the greatest environmental crisis in human history, let us draw strength from Thimmakka’s journey. You don’t have to be rich. You don’t have to be powerful. You just have to care.
Plant a tree today—not for yourself, but for the generations you may never meet.
Salumarada Thimmakka is not just India’s Tree Mother—she is a universal symbol of green courage, quiet strength, and maternal devotion to Mother Earth. 🌳🌏💚
[…] Read More: Salumarada Thimmakka: The Tree Mother of India and a Living Legacy of Green Love […]