Saalumarada Thimmakka

Saalumarada Thimmakka is an environmentalist from Karnataka. She is also known as Aalada Marada Thimmakka. Thimmakka received the nickname “Saalumarada” (which means "row of trees" in Kannada) for her work.

She is recognized for planting and caring for 385 banyan trees. Thimmakka also cared for a four-kilometer stretch of roadway between Hulikal and Kudur. She has also planted over 8000 more trees. She found peace in growing plants with her husband's support.

Thimmakka never went to school. In a nearby quarry, she worked as a casual laborer. For her services, she received the renowned "Indian National Citizens Award." Her efforts were recognised by the Indian government. In 2019, the state bestowed to her the honorary title of "Padma Shri."

Saalumarada’s “Resources for Environmental Education” is a non-profit environmental organization situated in Los Angeles and Oakland, California. She received an honorary doctorate from the prestigious “Central University of Karnataka” in 2020.

Saalumarada was born in Gubbi Taluk. She belongs to the Tumukuru District in Karnataka. She married Chikkaiah when she was 12. Chikkaiah was a native of Hulikal village in the Magadi taluk of Karnataka's Ramanagara district. The couple was unable to start a family. Thimmakka started planting banyan trees in place of children.

Ficus (banyan) trees grow near Thimmakka's village. Thimakka and her husband grafted seedlings from the Ficus trees. Ten saplings were grafted and planted in a 5-kilometer area near Kudur, a nearby settlement, during the first year. In the second and third years, respectively, 15 and 20 seedlings were planted. She planted these plants with the resources she acquired. Thimmakka and his husband traveled four kilometers. They carried four pails of water for irrigation. To keep grazing livestock at bay, they were additionally encircled by thorny flora.

During the monsoon season, thousands of saplings were planted. There was plenty of rainwater during the time. By the time the monsoons arrived, the trees invariably took root. There were 384 trees planted, with an estimated asset value of 1.5 million rupees. The Karnataka government presently manages these trees.

In 2019, the Bagepalli-Halaguru road extension project threatened to take down the 385 banyan trees planted. Saalumarada requested that her proposal be reviewed by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. As a result, officials decided to look into other options for saving the trees.

Thimmakka's enthusiasm for planting and caring for trees has drawn attention to her. She is known as the "mother of trees.” She has a rich history of planting and caring for trees as her children.

In their 2016 edition, the BBC named her one of the 100 most influential and inspirational women. Thimmakka has also acquired the “National Citizen's Award, Veerachakra Prashasthi Award, Karnataka Kalpavalli Award, Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award,” and many others for her dedication.

Her commitment to the environment is unparalleled. The forest service honored her for her outstanding efforts. Last year, GT Devegowda, the minister of the Mysuru district, dedicated a park in her honor. Thimmakka is one of the world's most influential and inspiring ladies. She is well-known on a global scale.