Various unsung warriors in our society have timely intervened to improve the lives of us citizens.
Many of them don’t get the recognition or respect they deserve yet they continue to work for society because of their passion.
Recently one such superwoman was recognised by the state of Karnataka.
Her name is Saalumarada Thimmakka.
Saalumarada Thimmakka was honoured with a cabinet rank on her 111th birthday by Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai and was also made an environment ambassador.
Who is Saalumarada Thimmakka?
The 111-year-old environmentalist is known for planting 385 banyan trees and 8,000 other trees over 80 years and was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2019.
She is also earned the title of ‘Vriksha Mathe’ (Trees Mother) for planting thousands of trees in Karnataka,
Here are some unknown facts about this amazing woman.
Her Original Cause Of Loving Trees.
The Love for trees has a very sombre start it touching.
Born in Gubbi taluk, Tumkur, she was a labourer at a quarry and found solace in planting trees with her husband.
After all the back-breaking labour she found time to take time and plant trees (which itself requires a lot of Labour) regularly.
As she does not have children, she raised her trees like her own children.
She is an international super environmentalist.
She has a list of achievements domestically and also has received international accolades.
Her contribution to the environment was first recognised in 1995 when she was awarded the National Citizen’s Award of India.
A US environmental organisation based in Los Angeles and Oakland, California, called Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education is named after her.
The Central University of Karnataka also announced an honorary doctorate for Thimmakka in 2020.
She is a polite activist too
Thimmakka had planted trees along a 45-kilometre stretch of highway between Hulikal and Kudur, which is being asked to be declared a conservation reserve by nature lovers.
This stretch came under threat when a project was proposed for the widening of Bagepalli-Halaguru road in 2019.
However, Thimmakka requested the then chief minister HD Kumaraswamy and deputy CM G Parameshwara to reconsider the project.
After this, the government decided to look for alternatives to save Thimmakka’s trees.
She saved so many trees without making a lot of clutter about it.
She continued her work despite personal tragedies
As mentioned above she started this mission with her husband.
Even though her husband passed away and heavy rain had washed away her home in the same year.
She was never discouraged in any way.
She pursued her mission with the same determination and courage.
She with the help of well-wishers managed to rebuild the mud house.
The Courage in her is a true inspiration for all of us.
Her struggles with Childlessness.
She had a tough time in her 40s managing her mental health.
According to sources She reportedly wanted to commit suicide in her 40s as she could not conceive.
But later they found solace in planting trees this helped her fill the emptiness within her that was caused because of childlessness.
Everything that we have understood about her is that happiness has the power to heal and nothing provides more happiness than saving nature.
We also learn that we all have our demons and personal tragedies but move beyond them and continue your mission.
Credits:-The First Post, Hindustan Times, Metro Saga and The Hindu
Featured Image Credits:- The News Minute
