Choose your heroes and idols wisely

Thimmakka was born in Tumkur district in Karnataka. She received no formal education and use to work as casual labour in a nearby quarry. She was later married to Chikkaiah, a native of Ramanagar in Karnataka.

Her life was so tragic as she always had enough to eat but never had enough to share with others. And on top of that, the couple later discovered that they could not have Kids, they were mocked, and then from there the Legend of Thimmakka began and they raised trees to fill a personal void.

To be in Karnataka’s countryside is to be among gentle people who cared for the land. Unhurried gaits, unfailing curtsey, and old-world ways are the norm. But are you to be served with Magic too? Yes, at least on a 4 KM road between Kudur and Hulikal.

Towering avenue trees flank this quiet road. There is a riot up there, of fearless birds drunk on juicy fruits, their screech is delightfully unbearable. The road is gummy with fallen dogs. A cyclist pedals on under shade that makes it nearly dark at noon. Off-road, crisp leaves slosh about your calves even as a breeze is steadily blowing them off to nearby fields of rice, wherein to crumble and enrich. In just one stretch of Morden road, nature stages her perennial play, in which trees plug into the Sun, drop their produce, and land absorbs the gifts and feeds the people. Thimmakka is only now aware of the parts her ‘Children’ are playing in it.

Had she given up as they were landless labours, they may not have planted those trees in those dusty roads between “Hulikal and Kudur”. That too a 4 Km stretch which were drylands, hot and dusty roads. Thimmakka and Chikkanna planted 15-20 plants every year and watered those plants for almost 10 years. Almost 50 pots of water were refilled from nearby wells and ponds every day, and now it’s a sight for anyone passing by that road.

Their recognition began to come Thimmakka’s way in 1995, 5 years after her husband's death.

1995 - She first received the National citizen's Award.

1997 - She received Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award.

2010 - Nadoja Award by University of Hampi.

2019 - The government of India conferred her with Padma Shri.

And many more.

Her Address

Saalumarada Thimmakka

Hulikal Post- 561101

Kudur

Magadi Taluk

Karnataka.

She is 106 years Young now.

Thus, 45-50 years spent, in the life of two unknown Indians. Isn’t it time we began to honour Indians who add lasting values to the land and inspire others to action?