In a world racing towards urbanization, one woman quietly nurtured forests — not for recognition, but out of love and healing. Meet Saalumarada Thimmakka, India’s beloved “Mother of Trees”, who at 111 years old, has planted over 8,000 trees, transforming barren roadsides into green sanctuaries.
Her journey began not in celebration, but in sorrow. At age 40, struggling with the heartbreak of childlessness and contemplating ending her life, Thimmakka found a new reason to live — planting trees.
Together with her late husband, she began planting banyan trees along a 4-km stretch in Karnataka’s Hulikal village. Year after year, they cared for each sapling like a child, watering them with pots carried by hand and protecting them from grazing cattle.
“If I couldn’t have children, I would give life to trees,” she once said.
What started as a personal act of healing became a green revolution, with Thimmakka’s trees providing oxygen, shade, and shelter to thousands. Her selfless work turned her into a national icon of sustainability and resilience.
Saalumarada Thimmakka has been honored with numerous awards, including:
- Padma Shri (2019)
- National Citizens Award
- UNEP Champions of the Earth inspiration
She continues to inspire generations of environmentalists, schoolchildren, and policymakers, proving that one woman’s quiet devotion to the earth can spark a forest of change.
At 111, she may not walk as fast, but her eyes still light up when talking about banyan roots and saplings. Schools have been named after her, and green warriors across India call her their role model.
Saalumarada Thimmakka’s story is a reminder that age is just a number — and purpose, once found, can plant forests where there was once despair.
