Which Environmentalist is Known as the Mother of Karnataka’s Trees?

The title “Mother of Karnataka’s Trees” is given to a person whose life story is filled with love for nature and tireless hard work. This inspiring figure dedicated many years to planting, protecting, and caring for hundreds of trees, turning a simple effort into a great contribution for the environment. Their journey shows how one person’s dedication can bring lasting change to society.

Mother of Karnataka’s Trees

The person known as the Mother of Karnataka’s Trees is Saalumarada Thimmakka, a famous environmentalist from Karnataka. She earned this title for planting and caring for 385 banyan trees and thousands of other plants. Despite having little money and no formal education, she dedicated her life to protecting nature. Her hard work, love for trees, and lifelong commitment made her a respected figure across India and the world.

Why is Saalumarada Thimmakka known as the Mother of Karnataka’s Trees?

Saalumarada Thimmakka is known as the Mother of Karnataka’s Trees because she planted and lovingly cared for more than 8,000 trees, including 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-kilometre road. She treated the saplings like her own children and protected them for many years. Her dedication, despite having limited resources, turned barren land into a green corridor and made her an inspiration across India.

How her Tree-Planting Journey Began?

Thimmakka and her husband, Chikkaiah, were unable to have children. Instead of giving in to sadness, they began planting banyan saplings along a 4.5-kilometre road between Hulikal and Kudur. They lovingly cared for each sapling as if it were their own child, watering them every day and protecting them from animals.

A Life Devoted to Growing Trees

Over more than eight decades, Thimmakka planted and looked after around 8,000 trees, including 385 banyan trees that now form a beautiful green corridor. She did all this work despite having no formal schooling and earning very little. She and her husband carried water for long distances just to help the young plants survive.

Her hard work and patience slowly transformed empty land into stretches of refreshing shade and greenery.

Why She is Called ”Saalumarada”?

The name “Saalumarada” means “row of trees” in Kannada. It became a part of her name because of the impressive line of banyan trees she planted along the roadside. This name became a symbol of her lifelong commitment to protecting nature.

Her Fight to Protect the Trees

Even in old age, Thimmakka continued to defend her trees. In 2019, when the banyan trees she had planted were about to be cut for road widening, she strongly appealed to the government to save them.

Her efforts worked—the project was changed so that the 70-year-old trees could remain untouched.

Awards and Global Recognition

Thimmakka’s work earned her respect from all over the world. Some important honours include:

• Padma Shri Award (2019)
• Recognition as one of BBC’s 100 most inspirational women (2016)

Many other awards and organisations have celebrated her dedication, including groups in India and abroad.