Every now and then, we come across a story that gently settles into our hearts and stays there forever. For me, one such story is that of Saalumarada Thimmakka—a name that carries the fragrance of soil, the rustle of banyan leaves, and the quiet strength of a woman who changed the world with nothing but love and perseverance.
I still remember the first time I read about her. It wasn’t just inspiring—it was grounding.
Born From the Earth: Her Early Life
Thimmakka was born on 30 June 1911, in a small village in Karnataka. She didn’t go to school. She didn’t have wealth. She didn’t chase fame. She was just a simple woman living a simple life.
And yet, she became something extraordinary.
Growing up in a rural world, where life depends on nature’s mercy, she learned early how valuable every tree, every drop of water, every piece of shade truly is.
When Life Didn’t Give Her Children, She Grew Her Own Forest
Life can be unkind. Thimmakka and her husband, Chikkayya, longed for children but remained childless.
But instead of drowning in sorrow, they found a new purpose—one that would outlive them both.
They began planting banyan saplings along a barren stretch of road between Hulikal and Kudur. Not a few. Not a few dozen.
But 385 banyan trees.
Imagine carrying pots of water for kilometers under the burning sun…
Imagine protecting each young tree as if it were a newborn…
Imagine doing this year after year, without expecting anything in return.
That’s who Thimmakka was.
Her trees grew tall, spread their arms wide, and formed a green corridor that still stands today.
Every time I see a banyan tree, I think of her as a mother who adopted nature itself.
The State Finally Noticed What the Earth Already Knew
Over the years, the world began to recognize her work. She received numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019. But her humility never left her.
When asked why she planted so many trees, she simply said:
“They are my children.”
No lecture. No activism. Just pure, unconditional love.
The Final Chapter: Saying Goodbye to a Legend
On 14 November 2025, at the age of 114, Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away in Bengaluru.
The state laid her to rest with full honours. But honestly, her true honour stands rooted in the soil, breathing life into the world she cared for.
What Thimmakka Taught Me
Her story taught me lessons that no classroom ever could:
- You don’t need much to make a difference—just intention.
- Love can grow in unexpected places.
- Small acts, repeated consistently, become legacies.
- Nature responds to care just like people do.
Whenever life feels overwhelming, I remind myself that she planted 385 banyan trees with nothing but her hands and her heart.
Carrying Her Memory Forward
This isn’t just a blog post—it’s a quiet promise.
A promise to plant more.
To care more.
To slow down.
To be grateful for the shade I didn’t plant.
To leave something behind for the future generations
If one woman from a small village could change the landscape of Karnataka…
what small change can we begin today?
Thank you, Thimmakka.
For the trees.
For the inspiration.
For reminding us that nurturing the earth is also a form of nurturing our souls.
