Bengaluru, Nov 14 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, declared on Friday that the funeral of Padma Shri awardee 'Saalumarada' Thimmakka will take place with full state honors.

After paying respects to 'Vruksha Mata' (Mother of Trees), the Chief Minister remarked, “Thimmakka, who reached the age of 114, passed away today. She hailed from Hulikal village in Magadi taluk. Although she remained childless, Thimmakka cared for trees as if they were her own offspring. The saplings she nurtured have now grown into magnificent banyan trees. Her commitment to environmentalism earned her the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Central Government.”

“The government has received a letter detailing Thimmakka’s final wish, which was to establish a Thimmakka Museum in Belur. The government will review this request,” Siddaramaiah added.

He prayed for tranquility for her soul and strength for her family and admirers to endure this profound loss.

As for the funeral arrangements, the Chief Minister mentioned that the family has identified two or three potential locations, with a final decision on the venue for the last rites to be made shortly.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar addressed the media at Vidhana Soudha on Friday, stating, “Saalumarada Thimmakka, originating from our district, devoted her life to environmental preservation. Her unique contribution to conservation and awareness is remarkable.”

He expressed, “I extend my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Vruksha Mata Saalumarada Thimmakka. She embodied extraordinary character.”

“The Mother of Trees, who treated saplings as her own children and cared for them devotedly, has departed. It feels as though the entire environment is mourning alongside us today. There is a saying that one must either give or leave a legacy in this world. I bow my head in reverence to this remarkable mother who truly lived by that principle. She has passed away after a full life of 114 years,” Shivakumar reflected.

“The trees she nurtured and the awareness she sparked in us will endure forever. Thimmakka is a source of pride for Karnataka and all of India. She planted saplings along the highways for miles and watered them daily until they flourished into trees. She treated them as her own children.

“Between Hulikal and Kuduru in Bengaluru South district, she planted and nurtured 385 banyan trees along a 4.5-kilometer stretch of road. Every time one drives along that route, her memory is evoked. In total, she cultivated over 8,000 trees, setting an inspiring example for the younger generation,” Shivakumar added.

He concluded by praying for divine strength for Thimmakka’s family and admirers to cope with the sorrow of her passing.

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda took to X, expressing, “The news of the passing of Padma Shri awardee, environmentalist, Mother of Trees, and centenarian Saalu Marada Thimmakka—a life embodying 'green is life'—has filled me with great sorrow.

“A humanitarian who demonstrated that life cannot exist without greenery, she devoted her lifetime to environmental protection, nurturing trees as if they were her children. Her contributions stand as a model for humanity.

“I pray that Thimmakka’s soul finds eternal peace, and may God provide comfort to her family and admirers during this difficult time.”

Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai expressed, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of centenarian and Mother of Trees, Saalumarada Thimmakka. By planting thousands of saplings and nurturing them as her own, she dedicated her life to environmental protection. Her legacy will be remembered eternally. She received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and Rajyotsava Award, for her remarkable contributions.”

“With her departure, the state has lost a noble soul and has been diminished. Thimmakka’s legacy will continue to inspire. I pray for her soul to rest in peace and that God gives strength to her admirers to cope with the pain of her absence,” he stated.

Renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away at 114 on Friday. She had been receiving treatment for respiratory issues at a private hospital in Jayanagar in Bengaluru, where she passed away at noon after her condition deteriorated.

Born on June 30, 1911, in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district, Thimmakka was wed to Chikkayya from Hulikal village. The couple remained childless, prompting her to plant and care for banyan saplings along roadways, treating them as her own children. This earned her the affectionate title “Saalumarada” (row of trees) Thimmakka.

Despite her lack of formal education, she became an international symbol of environmental conservation.

Throughout her life, she received numerous accolades, including the Rajyotsava Award, Vishalakshi Award, Nadoja Award (2010), and the esteemed Padma Shri (2019).

In 2020, the Central University of Karnataka awarded her an honorary doctorate.

Political leaders, environmentalists, and public figures nationwide have conveyed their heartfelt condolences over her passing.