Smt. Thimmakka from the state of Karnataka, India, is noted for her work in planting and tending to 284 banyan trees along a four-kilometre stretch of highway.
She received no formal education and worked as a casual labourer in a nearby quarry. Her husband was a cattle herder.
The couple used to carry four pails of water for a distance of four kilometres to water the saplings. They were also protected from grazing cattle by fencing them with thorny shrubs.
She has been given the name "Saalumarada" which means Line of trees in Kannada language.
Her work has been honoured with many awards including the National Citizen's Award of India.
I read this on Google Plus earlier today. As I read and learn more and more of the ongoing cruelty and horror in this world, I am both heartened and gratified to know about this gentle woman and what she has accomplished.A U.S. environmental organisation based in Los Angeles and Oakland, California called Thimmakka's Resources for Environmental Education is named after her.
In the spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving, I share this with you.
Stephanie Doty
Women’s Issues Matter
July 24, 2014
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