Saalumarada Thimmakka, the ‘Mother of Trees’ who planted 8,000+ trees, including 375 Banyans, passes away at 114

Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, K. Pawan Kalyan on Friday paid a moving tribute to Saalumarada Thimmakka, the legendary environmentalist revered across the country as the “Mother of Trees.” 

Her death at the age of 114, he said, marked not only the passing of a remarkable woman but also the loss of a moral compass at a time when environmental degradation in Andhra Pradesh is becoming increasingly alarming.

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Pawan Kalyan on X

In a message posted on X, Pawan Kalyan drew a stark contrast between Thimmakka’s lifelong service to nature and what he described as the growing exploitation of ecological resources in the state. 

Calling out what he termed the betrayal of environmental responsibilities by those entrusted with power, he wrote:

“In Andhra Pradesh, we saw those who swore to protect environment ruthlessly cut down trees, destroyed forests and enabled the smuggling of our vital ecological resources for selfish gain. And then, on the other end of the spectrum, we have a humble person whose life was a total dedication to nature - Saalumarada Thimmakka, the woman known simply as the ‘Mother of Trees.’”

Pawan Kalyan highlighted Thimmakka's remarkable personal journey from a small village in Karnataka to how she and her husband turned their inability to procreate into a mission to "raise a family of green."

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Saalumarada Thimmakka’s Work 

The couple planted and nurtured over 8,000 trees, including 375 banyan trees, over decades of relentless labor-an effort that has since grown into a living ecological heritage to be marveled at by the country.

The Deputy Chief Minister termed her life a rare example of public service, which remained untouched by the pursuit of power or wealth.

According to him, Thimmakka embodied devotion to Mother Earth at a time when environmental stewardship was urgently needed. He termed her demise as a “profound loss” not only to Karnataka but to the whole country.

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The nation mourns

Pawan Kalyan, on behalf of Jana Sena Party, has conveyed his condolences and requested citizens to take inspiration from her legacy. He urged the people to involve themselves in conservation by planting trees in neighbourhoods, protecting the green cover in the local environment, and assuming bigger responsibilities towards the Earth.

He said that Thimmakka’s spirit would continue to guide future generations toward a more sustainable and compassionate relationship with nature.

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