114-year-old environmentalist ‘Saalumarada’ Thimmakka passes away; Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah expresses condolences

BENGALURU: Padma Shri awardee and environmentalist 'Saalumarada' Thimmakka passed away at a private hospital on Friday.The 114-year-old environmentalist had been ailing for some time and was hospitalised for treatment, where she passed away, according to family sources.Born on June 30, 1911, Thimmakka earned the title ‘Saalumarada’ for planting 385 banyan trees along a 4.5 km stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in Ramanagara, Bengaluru South district.

Despite having no formal education, Thimmakka undertook the plantation drive, treating the trees as her children to fill the void in her life after remaining childless.Her remarkable efforts earned her numerous accolades, 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.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also expressed his condolences and posted on X: "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Vrukshamate Saalumarada Thimmakka. She planted thousands of trees and nurtured them like her own children, dedicating most of her life to the cause of environmental conservation. Though Thimmakka has left us today, her love for nature has made her immortal. My respects to the departed great soul.

"He added: "With the demise of Saalumarada Thimmakka, the state has become poorer. I pray that her soul attains eternal peace. My condolences to her family members."(With agency inputs)