Sri Bikkala Chikkayya – In the realm of environmental conservation, certain individuals stand out as extraordinary beacons of hope and inspiration. Saalumarada Thimmakka, the revered environmentalist from Karnataka, India, is undoubtedly one of these exceptional figures. Her relentless dedication to planting and nurturing trees along a 4-kilometer stretch of highway in her village earned her international acclaim.
However, behind this green legend was the quiet and steadfast support of her husband, Sri Bikkala. Well, Bikkala always maintained his life away from the social media handles but used to help his wife in growing plants and trees. Well, he grabbed the limelight in October 2023 after his ex-wife was admitted into the hospital.
Early Life and Age
After searching a lot, seefuturenews.com got to know that Sri Bikkala Chikkayya was born between 1916 and 1919 in Karnataka, India. While the exact year of his birth remains uncertain, it is widely believed that he was of a similar age as his wife, Saalumarada Thimmakka, who was born in 1910. This would place Chikkayya’s birth somewhere in the early 20th century, making him a witness to significant historical events and societal changes in India.
Education
Information about Chikkayya’s educational background is sparse. Given the time and place of his upbringing, it is likely that he received only a basic education, as was common in rural India during that era. Formal education was a luxury that many in his generation could not afford.
Biodata
| Personal Information | Details |
| Full Name | Sri Bikkala Chikkayya |
| Birthday | B/W 1916-1919 |
| Birthplace | Karnataka, India |
| Zodiac Sign | NA |
| Parents | Share soon |
| Siblings | Not known |
| Ex-Wife | Saalumarada Thimmakka |
| Kids | None |
| Caste | Share soon |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Sri Bikkala Chikkayya‘s Wife
The union of Sri Bikkala and Saalumarada Thimmakka was a significant event in both of their lives. They embarked on their marital journey at a time when arranged marriages were the norm in India. Their marriage was arranged in their youth, and together they embarked on a life that would become intertwined with the legacy of trees.
Chikkayya’s partnership with Thimmakka was characterized by their mutual love and shared values. They were both deeply committed to the idea of nurturing and preserving the environment. This shared passion for nature became the cornerstone of their life together.
Who is Saalumarada Thimmakka?
Saalumarada Thimmakka is a renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, who is celebrated for her extraordinary tree-planting efforts. To date, she has nurtured over 8,000 trees, which are worth millions and provide vast amounts of oxygen. She has received several awards and recognition for her environmental contribution, including the National Citizen’s Award of India in 1995 and an honorary doctorate from the Central University of Karnataka in 2020.
Why was Saalumarada Thimmakka Hospitalized?
Saalumarada Thimmakka, a renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, who is celebrated for her extraordinary tree-planting efforts, was hospitalised on Tuesday, October 4, 2023, after she complained of tiredness and breathlessness. She has a known history of asthma, which is aggravated by her age and fragility. She was previously residing in Ballur, Hassan district, where she returned on September 27 after treatment at a government hospital in Belur.
However, her health did not improve despite the care from two appointed nurses and earlier medical intervention. The colder climate of the hilly Belur region may have also contributed to her respiratory issues. She was admitted to a private hospital in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. She is being monitored round-the-clock by doctors at the intensive care unit (ICU) of Apollo Hospital. Her condition is stable and there is nothing to be concerned about as of now.
However, due to her age, which according to her is 112, doctors cannot administer the full range of medication usually prescribed for someone with her history of asthma. Her adopted son, Ballur Umesh, said that he is grateful for the support and love that people have shown for his mother. He also appealed to the public to not spread rumors or false information about her health status. He said that he will update the media and the public about any changes in her condition.
Children and Life Devoted to Trees
One of the most remarkable aspects of Sri Bikkala Chikkayya and Saalumarada Thimmakka’s life together was their decision not to have children of their own. Instead, they channeled their energy, love, and resources into a different kind of parenting – that of trees.
The couple recognized the dire need for reforestation in their region and took it upon themselves to make a difference. Over the years, they dedicated their lives to planting and caring for trees along the highways of Karnataka. Their unique and selfless approach to parenthood touched the hearts of many, and they became known as the “Green Parents” or “Vriksha Mathe” and “Vatara Putra” in Kannada.
Their journey of nurturing trees was not an easy one, as they faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, limited resources, and societal skepticism. Yet, their unwavering commitment to their cause bore fruit, quite literally, as the trees they planted began to flourish and create a lush green canopy along the highways.
Sri Bikkala Chikkayya Career and Livelihood
Sri Chikkayya’s career is not well-documented, but it is believed that he was a farmer by profession. Farming was a common occupation in the region during his time, and it is likely that he and Thimmakka relied on agriculture for their livelihood.
Their modest income from farming did not deter them from their mission of planting trees. In fact, they invested their own money and labor into purchasing saplings and caring for them. Their dedication to the environment transcended their economic circumstances.
Social Media Presence
Instagram – @saalumarada_thimmakka
Facebook – Share soon
Wikipedia – @Saalumarada_Thimmakka
Twitter – N/A
Homepage – SeeFutureNews.com
Net Worth
Estimating the net worth of Sri Bikkala Chikkayya is a challenging task due to the limited available information. It is believed that the couple led a simple and frugal life, primarily focused on their environmental mission. Their net worth was modest, estimated to be in the range of INR 10-15 lakhs. However, their true wealth lay in the invaluable contribution they made to the environment and the inspiration they provided to generations of conservationists.
Parents and Siblings
Details about Chikkayya’s parents and siblings are not readily available in the public domain. The lack of historical records and documentation from that period makes it difficult to gather information about his family background. The names and other details about his father, mother, and siblings will be updated on this page as soon as possible.
Facts and Trivia
- Sri Bikkala Chikkayya and Saalumarada Thimmakka’s decision to “parent” trees instead of children was a groundbreaking and innovative approach to environmental conservation. They saw trees as their offspring and cared for them as loving parents would care for their children.
- Despite their humble background, Chikkayya and Thimmakka received global recognition for their remarkable work in environmental conservation. They were honored with several prestigious awards and accolades, including the National Citizen’s Award of India in 1996.
- The legacy of Chikkayya and Thimmakka continues to thrive. Their story serves as an inspiration for environmentalists and conservationists worldwide, reminding us of the power of individual dedication and collective action in protecting the planet.
- Their life story has been documented in various forms, including books, articles, and a documentary film titled “Thimmakka.” These resources help preserve their remarkable journey for future generations.
- The trees planted by Chikkayya and Thimmakka have had a significant positive impact on the local ecosystem. They have not only contributed to increased green cover but have also supported local wildlife and improved air quality.
