The Quiet Passing of a Green Titan: Remembering Saalumarada Thimmakka

A quiet legend has, for once, truly left us. India, and indeed the world, now pauses to reflect on the immense green legacy of Saalumarada Thimmakka, the 'Vrukshamatha' — the Mother of Trees — who, at an incredible 112 years of age, has passed into the annals of history. Her life, you could say, wasn't just lived; it was planted, watered, and nurtured into being, tree by tree, branch by branch.

The news, naturally, prompted an outpouring of sorrow and profound respect. Karnataka's Forest Minister Eshwar, for instance, immediately conveyed his deep condolences, acknowledging the unparalleled contributions of this remarkable woman. He highlighted what so many already knew: that her tireless efforts had, quite literally, breathed life into the very earth.

Imagine, if you will, a lifetime dedicated not to self, but to the selfless act of greening the planet. Thimmakka, a native of Hulikal village in Magadi taluk, Bengaluru Rural district, was no ordinary environmentalist; she was, in truth, an institution. With her husband, Bikkala Chikkaiah, she embarked on a mission that began decades ago — transforming arid stretches of land along highways into verdant havens. Her hands, honest and calloused, planted over 8,000 trees, an astounding figure that boggles the mind. And that’s not even counting the monumental task of nurturing 400 banyan trees along a four-kilometer stretch of highway between Hulikal and Kudoor.

But it wasn't just the sheer number of trees; it was the dedication behind each one. She walked for miles, day after day, year after year, carrying pots of water to ensure these saplings didn’t just survive, but thrived. This was, honestly, her family, her children — each plant a testament to an unwavering commitment to a greener future. It's a dedication that makes you wonder, doesn't it, about the true meaning of parenthood?

Her efforts, in truth, did not go unnoticed. This humble woman, whose life was entwined with the earth, eventually garnered national and international recognition. The prestigious Padma Shri award in 2019 was a fitting, if belated, acknowledgment of her monumental work. Yet, one gets the sense that for Thimmakka, the greatest award was always the sight of a new leaf unfurling, a bird nesting in a branch she had nurtured, or the fresh, cool air filtering through a canopy she had created.

Beyond the trees, she was a quiet advocate for other vital causes too, pushing for rainwater harvesting and, notably, speaking out against alcohol consumption. She was a holistic environmentalist, a social reformer, a woman who understood the intricate dance between nature and humanity. As we reflect on her passing, we're left not with a sense of loss, but with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Saalumarada Thimmakka’s legacy isn’t etched in stone; it’s alive, breathing, and stretching towards the sun in every tree she planted. And for that, we should all be eternally grateful.