Saalumarada Thimmakka

Saalumarada Thimmakka
•    Thimmakka was born in Tumakuru district, Karnataka.
•    Along with her husband, Thimmakka planted 385 banyan trees along a 4.5 km stretch on State Highway 94, between Hulikal and Kudur (Ramanagara district).
•    The banyan avenue she nurtured became a model of community-led ecological conservation.
•    She passed away at the age of 114 on 14 November 2025 in Bengaluru.
•    The Government of Karnataka now maintains and protects these trees.
Meaning of the Name “Saalumarada”
•    In Kannada, Saalumarada means “row of trees.”
•    Thimmakka earned this name as a mark of respect for her dedication to nurturing long rows of banyan trees despite severe economic and physical hardship.
•    The name symbolises her identity as a grassroots environmentalist.
Recognition and Awards
•    Thimmakka gained national and international recognition, including a place in BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women list in 2016.
•    She was awarded the Padma Shri (2019), India’s fourth-highest civilian award, at the age of 106.
Other notable honours include:
•    National Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award
•    Karnataka Rajyothsava Puraskar
•    Karnataka Rajya Parisara Award
•    NADOJA Award (Hampi University)
•    Green India Puraskar
•    Dr. B. R. Ambedkar State Award
•    Titles such as Vanamitra, Vrikshapremi, Nisargaratna, and Green Mother

Significance 
•    Saalumarada Thimmakka stands as a symbol of people’s participation in environmental conservation.
•    Her life challenges social stereotypes by redefining legacy through service to nature.