Saalumarada Thimmakka, an Indian environmentalist from Karnataka is an example of human determination and love for nature, know about her husband and son
The extraordinary journey of Saalumarada Thimmakka is marked by the planting of hundreds of banyan trees. She has left an indelible mark on her community and the world.
She is hospitalized in Apollo Hospital, Jayanagar after her asthma got worse. According to her doctor, because of her age high doses of medications cannot be administered. Pulmonologist, Dr. Ravindra Mehta is taking care of her treatment. Let’s delve into the remarkable life of this unsung hero.
Who is Saalumarada Thimmakka, biography, age now, family, husband, son, story, education
112-year-old Saalumarada Thimmakka was born in Gubbi Taluk, Karnataka in 1910. Her life took a unique turn when she found solace in planting trees alongside her husband Chikkaiah. Despite facing adversity and lacking formal education, their shared vision and determination led to a legacy that continues to thrive today.
The couple could not have children and it is said that Thimmakka started to plant banyan trees in lieu of children and the name word Saalumarada (row of trees in the Kannada language) is how she is referred to because of her work. She has a foster son named Umesh.
Thimmakka was born in Gubbi Taluk of Kingdom of Mysore, presently in Tumakuru district of Karnataka and her husband Chikkaiah was a native of Hulikal village in the Magadi taluk of Ramanagara district in Karnataka. She worked as a casual labourer in a quarry.
Saalumarada Thimmakka : ‘ಅಮ್ಮ ಆರೋಗ್ಯವಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ, ವದಂತಿ ನಂಬಬೇಡಿ’ ಎಂದು ವಿಡಿಯೋ ರಿಲೀಸ್ ಮಾಡಿದ ಸಾಲುಮರದ ತಿಮ್ಮಕ್ಕ ಅವರ ಪುತ್ರ#SaalumaradaThimmakka #Stable #SaalumaradaThimmakka #SonUmesh #ApolloHospital #Jayanagar #NewsFirstKannada pic.twitter.com/ipd9MmrzWm
— NewsFirst Kannada (@NewsFirstKan) October 5, 2023
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s journey began with grafting saplings from local banyan trees. Over the years, they planted and nurtured a staggering 385 banyan trees along a 45-kilometre stretch of highway. These trees which are now valued at over 1.5 million rupees, not only provide ecological benefits but also stand as a testament to human resilience.
The banyan trees Saalumarada Thimmakka nurtured faced the threat of being felled for road widening. Her impassioned plea to the government, along with community support, led to the preservation of these living monuments, which have stood for over 70 years.
Thimmakka’s selfless dedication to the environment has garnered widespread recognition. Her awards include the prestigious Padma Shri, National Citizen’s Award, and Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award, among others.
Since her husband’s passing in 1991, Thimmakka’s influence has only grown. She actively participates in afforestation programs across India and engages in various social initiatives. Notably, she dreams of establishing a hospital in her village in memory of her late husband.
In 2016, the BBC recognized SaalumaradaThimmakka as one of the most influential women in the world, a well-deserved honor for her exceptional contributions. However, her name has also been at the center of controversy, with allegations of its misuse by a comedian based in Delhi.
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s journey is to the extraordinary impact one individual can have on the environment and society at large. Her legacy of love for trees and nature continues to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the profound difference each of us can make in the world.