New Delhi: Padma Shri awardee and renowned environmentalist ‘Salumarada’ Thimmakka died at a private hospital here on Friday, Deccan Herald reported. According to family sources, she was undergoing treatment for respiratory problems for the last two days, but did not respond.
Thimmakka, a native of Hulikkal in Magadi taluk, was hospitalized several times in recent years due to age-related health complications. She had undergone hip surgery and angioplasty in the last five years.
From personal loss to the legacy of trees
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Known for her lifelong dedication to tree planting, Thimmakka turned personal adversity into an environmental mission. Unable to conceive even after 25 years of marriage, she and her husband started planting trees and raised them like their own children. It is estimated that in his lifetime, he has planted about 385 banyan trees along with about 8,000 other trees on the 4.5 km long highway between Hulikal and Kudur.
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In a previous interview with Deccan Herald, Thimmakka had reflected on her journey: “Even after 25 years of marriage, I couldn’t conceive. I and my husband were worried, my husband was more worried than me. So I told him not to do it. I told him we can plant trees and take care of them like our own children. That’s why we started planting trees.”
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Thimakka, popularly known as ‘Vriksha Matha’ (Mother of Trees), received the Padma Shri in 2019. Her environmental work has earned her several accolades, including the Nadoja Award in 2010, the Veerachakra Prashastra in 1997, and being named one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2016.
Deeply saddened by the demise of Padmashree Salumarada Thimmakka, our beloved Mother of Trees, whose life was filled with unconditional love for nature. With the love of her mother, she nurtured hundreds of trees and transformed barren lands into living forests. His life was bright… pic.twitter.com/NhW2fBSyOl– Deputy CMO, Andhra Pradesh (@APDeputyCMO) 14 November 2025
Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Konidala Pawan Kalyan, expressed grief over the demise of Padmashree Salumarada Thimmakka, popularly known as the ‘Mother of Trees’. Writing on social media, he said, “Deeply saddened by the demise of our beloved Mother of Trees, Padmashree Salumarada Thimmakka, whose life was rooted in unconditional love for nature. She nurtured hundreds of trees with a mother’s affection, transforming barren areas into thriving forests. Her life was a shining example of how simplicity, compassion and unwavering commitment can change the world around us.”