Fri Nov 14 08:00:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Renowned environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka, also known as “Vriksha Mata” or “Mother of Trees,” has passed away at the age of 114 in Bengaluru. She was celebrated for planting and caring for hundreds of banyan trees along a highway with her late husband. Thimmakka received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, for her dedication to environmental conservation. Her passing has been met with widespread condolences from political figures like Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre, who recognized her significant contribution to environmental awareness.
News Article:
Beloved Environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka Passes Away at 114
Bengaluru, November 14, 2025: Saalumarada Thimmakka, the celebrated environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, passed away today in Bengaluru at the age of 114. Known affectionately as “Vriksha Mata” (Mother of Trees), Thimmakka dedicated her life to environmental conservation.
Together with her late husband, Bikkala Chikkayya, Thimmakka planted and nurtured 385 banyan trees along State Highway 94 between Kudur and Hulikal in Karnataka. Their extraordinary efforts transformed the landscape and earned them widespread recognition.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his deep sorrow on social media, stating, “Thimmakka, who planted thousands of trees and nurtured them like her own children, dedicated most of her life to environmental conservation… her love for the environment has made her immortal.”
Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Thimmakka “spread the importance of greenery to the world by raising trees as her children.” He also highlighted her honorary doctorate and numerous awards, including the Padma Shri received in 2019.
Thimmakka was briefly hospitalized earlier this year due to weakness but had recovered before her passing. Her legacy of environmental stewardship will continue to inspire generations.
First Piper 