Renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, Saalumarada Thimmakka, passed away at the age of 114. Timmakka had been battling respiratory issues for the past few days and breathed her last this morning while receiving treatment at a hospital in Bengaluru, as confirmed by her family members.
Following her passing, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed their condolences.
Pawan Kalyan took to social media to express his grief, saying, “The death of our beloved ‘Mother of Trees,’ Padma Shri Saalumarada Thimmakka, who embodied unconditional love for nature, is deeply saddening. Her life was a testament to a mother’s love as she nurtured hundreds of trees. She transformed barren lands into thriving forests. Her life exemplified how simplicity, compassion, and unwavering commitment can change the world around us. During my visits to Karnataka, the state’s Forest and Environment Minister, Eshwar Khandre, and I would often talk about her extraordinary journey—her resilience, dedication to environmental conservation, and the inspiration she provided for generations to come. Timmakka showed that a person’s dedication can leave a legacy far greater than any monument. May her soul rest in peace. Her values and life will forever guide us in preserving and nurturing our forests.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Shri Saalumarada Thimmakka, our beloved Mother of Trees, whose life embodied unconditional love for nature. She nurtured hundreds of trees with the affection of a mother, turning barren stretches into living forests. Her life was a shining… pic.twitter.com/NhW2fBSyOl
— Deputy CMO, Andhra Pradesh (@APDeputyCMO) November 14, 2025
Born on June 30, 1911, in the Gubbi taluk of Tumkur district, Karnataka, Thimmakka married Chikkanna, and despite 20 years of marriage, the couple did not have children. In their grief, they began planting trees, believing that serving the community was akin to serving God. Thimmakka and her husband planted nearly 384 banyan trees along a four-kilometer stretch of National Highway 206, from Hulikal to Kuduru. She lovingly cared for these trees as if they were her own children.
“These trees are my children,” Thimmakka often said. Her husband, Chikkanna, supported her efforts, even forgoing his own work to help her care for the trees. Together, they honored nature, creating a legacy that would be remembered for generations. After Chikkanna’s passing in 1990, the couple, who had no children, adopted a boy named Umesh.
Throughout her life, Thimmakka received numerous awards and accolades in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to environmental conservation. These include the Indian Civilian Award (1995), Padma Shri (2019), National Citizenship Award, Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award, Veer Chakra Award, Karnataka Government Women and Child Welfare Department Accreditation Certificate, Certificate of Appreciation from the Indian Institute of Tree Science and Technology, Karnataka Kalpavalli Award, Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award, Pampapati Environmental Award, Babasaheb Ambedkar Award, Vanamate Award, Magadi Person Award, Shri Mata Award, H. Honai Social Service Award, Karnataka Environmental Award, Women’s E-luc Award, Rajyotsava Award, Flower Flower Foundation Wisdom Spirit Award, Vishalakshi Award from the Institute of Art of Living, and the prestigious ‘Nadoja’ Award.
Thimmakka’s legacy lives on through her remarkable contributions to environmental conservation, and she will be remembered as a symbol of dedication to the planet and its future.