Bengaluru, Nov. 15 -- Senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Vijayendra Yediyurappa has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of noted environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka.
In his condolence message, Vijayendra noted that Thimmakka - popularly known as the "tree mother" - lived for more than a century alongside the people of Karnataka and tirelessly taught generations of the importance of forest wealth. He described her passing as an irreplaceable loss to the state and a source of intense pain for lovers of the environment.
Thimmakka, born in Gubbi Taluk of Tumakuru district in the early 20th century, rose to national prominence through her lifelong dedication to afforestation. Along with her husband Bikkala Chikkayya, sh...