Karnataka mourns the loss of its beloved ‘Vriksha Mata’, who nurtured 385 banyan trees like her own children
BENGALURU (India CSR): In a deeply emotional moment for India, legendary environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee ‘Saalumarada’ Thimmakka passed away at the age of 114 on November 14 at a private hospital in Bengaluru. Known as the “mother of trees”, Thimmakka leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, resilience, and unmatched dedication to nature.
“Smt. Thimmakka was admitted at Apollo Jayanagar on 2″ November with Acute Exacerbation of Bronchial Asthma and Lower Respiratory Tract Infection. She was under the care of multidisciplinary team of Doctors led by Dr. Ravindra Mehta, Sr. Consultant Interventional Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine.”, said Dr. Govindaiah Yatheesh, Chief Operating Officer, Apollo Specialty Hospitals, Bengaluru.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and join them in prayers for the departed soul. We mourn the loss of one of India’s foremost environmentalists.”, he added.
A Life That Grew Into a Forest
Born in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district, Thimmakka’s life took a historic turn after her marriage to Bikkala Chikkayya. The couple, who had no children, chose nature as their family. Together, they planted and nurtured 385 banyan trees along State Highway 94 from Kudur to Hulikal. These trees today stand as a living tribute to her devotion.
Her work earned her several honours, including the Padma Shri in 2019 and an honorary doctorate, making her a global environmental symbol despite having no formal education.
“Her passing is an environmental loss, not just a human loss.”
But for sustainability leader Rusen Kumar, her death is more than a personal loss — it is a national environmental tragedy. Speaking to India CSR, Kumar delivered an emotional and philosophical reflection on what India has lost with the demise of its beloved “Vriksha Mata.”
“When I heard the news, I felt something inside me fall silent.” — Rusen Kumar
Deeply moved by the news, Kumar said Thimmakka’s departure must be understood in the right context. “When an environmentalist dies, we don’t just lose a person. We lose a worldview. We lose a way of life. We lose a cultural memory.”
He said Thimmakka represented a form of ecological wisdom that modern India is rapidly forgetting.
“To me, she symbolised soil wisdom, ecological motherhood, and human–nature harmony.”, says Rusen Kumar
***
Leaders Pay Tribute to the ‘Vriksha Mata’
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep grief on X.
He wrote:
“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of Salumarada Thimmakka. She planted thousands of trees and nurtured them like her own children. Even though she has left us, her love for the environment has made her immortal.”
He added that the State has become “poorer” with her passing.
Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre also paid homage, calling her “Vriksha Mata”, a mother who spread the message of greenery across the world.
“Despite being illiterate, she did great work in environmental conservation. She inspired generations,” he said.
A Quiet Departure After a Long Fight
Thimmakka had been admitted to a private hospital two days earlier due to weakness and loss of appetite. Though she recovered once and was discharged in September, her health deteriorated again.
A Legacy Carved in Green
The banyan trees she planted—stretching mile after mile—stand today like a silent forest of gratitude. For thousands of travellers, they are shade. For Karnataka, they are heritage. For India, they are a symbol of how one woman’s love can shape an entire generation’s environmental consciousness.
Saalumarada Thimmakka is no more.
But every leaf on those 385 trees will keep whispering her story. Forever.
Also Read: What Does The Story Of Marada Thimmakka Teach Us?
