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Bengaluru, Nov 14 (IANS) Renowned environmentalist and Padmashree awardee ‘Salumarada’ Thimmakka died on Friday at the age of 114. He was undergoing treatment for respiratory complications at a private hospital in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, where he died in the afternoon after his condition deteriorated.
Born on June 30, 1911, in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district, Thimmakka was married to Chikkayya in Hulikal village. The couple had no children, due to which they planted banyan saplings on the roadside and nurtured them and looked after them like their own children. This earned him the affectionate title “Salumarada (row of trees)” Thimmakka.
Despite being illiterate, she became an international symbol of environmental protection.
Over the years, he has received several honors including the Rajyotsav Award, the Vishalakshi Award, the Nadoja Award (2010), and the prestigious Padma Shri (2019).
In 2020, the Central University of Karnataka awarded him an honorary doctorate.
Political leaders, environmentalists and public figures across the country have expressed deep condolences on his demise.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over the demise and said, “I am saddened to hear the news of the demise of Vrikshmate Salumarada Thimakka. Having planted thousands of trees and nurturing them like his own children, Thimakka dedicated most of his life to environmental protection.”
He said, “Though she left us today, her love for nature has made her immortal. My respects to the great soul gone.”
He said, “The country is poor with the demise of Salumarada Thimmakka. I pray that his soul rests in eternal peace. My condolences to his family.”
Leader of opposition in the assembly, R. Ashok said, “I am saddened to hear the news of the demise of our illustrious Padma Shri awardee Vrikshamate Dr. Salumara Thimmakka, who had planted banyan saplings on the roadside and declared, “Trees are my children.”
He said, “May Thimmakka’s soul rest in eternal peace. Let us pay tribute to him by following his example of environmental service – protecting and nurturing the environment around us.”
BJP state president and MLA BY Vijayendra expressed deep condolences on the demise of “Vrikshamate” Salumarada Thimmakka. Born in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district, she became widely known as “Vrikshamate (Mother of Trees)”. Later he married Chikkaiya of Magadi taluk. She loved trees and plants like her own children. Thimmakka was honored with the National Citizen Award, Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award, Padma Shri Award, as well as Rajyotsava Award and Nadoja Award.
–IANS
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