In the vast, diverse landscape of India, true heroes often emerge from the most humble of settings, driven by an immense love for the earth. One such legendary figure is Saalumarada Thimmakka, lovingly known as the Tree Woman of India. Her life story is a powerful, living testament to the fact that dedication and persistent, selfless effort can leave an everlasting mark on the world.

Over eight decades, this remarkable woman, alongside her late husband, tirelessly planted and nurtured over 385 banyan trees and nearly 8,000 other saplings along a four-kilometre stretch of highway between Hulikal and Kudur. This act of profound, unwavering environmental support has earned her global recognition and the prestigious title of Padmashree Awardee, making her a beacon of hope and inspiration for environmentalists and humanitarians everywhere.

At Kokan Kala Va Shikshan Vikas Sanstha, we believe that true development is incomplete without a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological balance. Saalumarada Thimmakka’s work mirrors our core philosophy: that small, consistent acts of kindness can yield monumental, life-giving results. Her life is a profound tribute to what one dedicated individual can achieve. We are inspired by her legacy, particularly as a Top NGO and the surrounding regions, where rapid urbanization makes environmental protection a critical mission. Her relentless dedication fuels our resolve to integrate green initiatives into all our community programs.

The Roots of Greatness: The Life of the Tree Woman of India

Saalumarada Thimmakka’s journey is one defined by sacrifice, perseverance, and a fierce, maternal love for nature. Facing social stigma due to childlessness, she and her husband found purpose and solace in raising trees as their own children. They carried water for kilometres, protected saplings from grazing cattle, and nurtured them through harsh summer months.

A Lesson in Selfless Nurturing

The act of nurturing a tree for decades, especially one that offers no immediate personal gain, is the purest form of selfless service. Saalumarada Thimmakka understood that the shade, clean air, and ecological support provided by those trees were a gift to the entire community and to future generations of India. Her work underscores the principle of delayed gratification—investing today for the well-being of tomorrow.

The Power of Local Action

The transformation of that barren stretch of road into a green canopy shows that large-scale environmental change begins with focused, local action. This powerful lesson resonates deeply with Kokan NGO India’s grassroots approach, proving that you don’t need vast resources to make a monumental impact; you just need unwavering dedication. Her well-deserved recognition as a Padmashree Awardee brought international focus to the quiet dedication found in rural parts of India.

Saalumarada Thimmakka and Kokan NGO India: A Shared Vision of Sustainability

The guiding principles of the Tree Woman of India perfectly align with the long-term vision and development model of Kokan Kala Va Shikshan Vikas Sanstha. We see her work as a blueprint for sustainable community upliftment.

1. Integrating Green Initiatives into Educational Foundation

Just as Saalumarada Thimmakka dedicated her life to nurturing growth, we dedicate ours to nurturing the future generation.

• Planting Drives in Schools: Inspired by her legacy,Kokan kala va Shikshan Santha integrates environmental education and annual tree-planting drives into our Educational Foundation programs. We involve children directly in planting saplings near their schools and homes, teaching them responsibility for the environment from a young age—a true Tribute to the Thimakka.
• Awareness Campaigns: We host workshops on the ecological importance of forests and trees, specifically focusing on the environmental challenges faced by Bangalore and its rapidly expanding urban periphery.

2. Promoting Sustainable Livelihood Skills

Thimmakka proved that her environmental work was a form of self-sustenance and support. We follow this model by promoting green Livelihood Skills.

• Organic Farming and Water Conservation: Our Skill development programs in Rural areas include training in sustainable practices like organic farming, rainwater harvesting, and efficient water management. These skills not only ensure food security but also protect the local ecosystem—a practical Tribute to the Tree Woman of India.

3. Community Health and Environment

We understand that health is inextricably linked to the environment. Clean air and water are non-negotiable.

• Health and Hygiene: Our community health initiatives emphasize sanitation and clean environment practices, recognizing that a healthy community requires a healthy ecosystem, which is the foundational legacy left by the Padmashree Awardee. This holistic approach is why we are trusted as a Top NGO in Bangalore.

A Tribute of Action: Honoring the Padmashree Awardee

The greatest Tribute we can pay to Saalumarada Thimmakka is not just through words, but through dedicated action. Every tree we plant, every child we educate about conservation, and every sustainable project we launch is a reflection of her unwavering spirit.

Kokan NGO India, as a proactive Top NGO , is committed to making environmental support as vital as education and health. Her legacy is particularly crucial in fast-growing urban centers, where the need to balance development with nature is most urgent. We pledge to continue integrating her principle of selfless environmental care into every facet of our community work across India.

Honoring Padmashree Thimmakka: Join Kokan NGO India in Upholding Her Green Legacy

Saalumarada Thimmakka has given India a priceless gift: thousands of trees and an enduring lesson in life. Her journey, recognized by the Padmashree Awardee, reminds us that age, social standing, and wealth are irrelevant when the heart is dedicated to service. Her green immortality will continue to inspire generations.

Kokan Kala Va Shikshan Vikas Sanstha is proud to stand as a dedicated torchbearer of her legacy. Join Kokan kala va Shikshan Santha today in planting the seeds of sustainability and hope, ensuring that the work of the Tree Woman of India grows eternally, making our shared future greener and brighter.