Karnataka - Mysore   

She has 8,000 trees to her credit

Special Correspondent

A tree-lined stretch speaks of "Ajji's" efforts

A MISSION: Saalu Marada Thimmakka planting a sapling in Mysore on Tuesday. — Photo: M.A. Sriram

MYSORE: Saalu Marada Thimmakka. Not a household name by any stretch of imagination. But the contribution of this 76-year-old woman from the Magadi taluk in Bangalore is invaluable.

"Ajji" as she is fondly called, spent her life planting saplings and watering them and at the last count, has planted and grown more than 8,000 trees. The dusty road leading to Hulikal and Kudur village seems monotonous, but for a four-km stretch that comes alive with massive trees, spreading shade and providing home to innumerable birds and animals. If one could quantify the value of her contribution, it is not less than Rs. 150 crores, according to an environmentalist.

"Ajji", who was in Mysore on Tuesday at the behest of the Mysore Reporters Guild, retold her story — about how she was married at an early age to Chikkanna who was a landless labourer and that the couple did not have children, how they tilled land and cut stones for a living and about society's snide remarks against a childless couple who were looked down upon as cursed by gods.

Thimmakka and Chikkanna decided to adopt trees and plant saplings and soon enough the trees came to occupy a prominent part in their lives. They spent all their time planting saplings in open spaces, on gomal lands, on the outskirts of the city and on either side of the roads. And the saplings were watered by "Ajji". She fetched water from distant wells and ponds, at times carrying 30 to 40 pots of water a day. The nearly four-km stretch between Hulikal and Kudur is a testimony to Thimmakka's efforts.

Unique personality

A unique personality, the kind of which is found in folklores of yore, "Ajji" continues her mission of promoting environment conservation in the only way she knows - planting saplings. But of late she has given up due to her advancing age. And for all her contribution what has she got in return for sustenance? A paltry Rs.100 as pension from the State Government. But Thimmakka has no regrets.

Spelling charm and grace,she smiles away any suggestions to make an appeal and says: "My mission is my work."

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