Today evening, we visited Salumarada Thimmakka Park at Manipal. Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park is a unique park located near Manipal, a town in Karnataka, India. This park is named after an extraordinary woman named Salumarada Timmakka, who is known for her remarkable efforts to protect the environment and promote greenery. This park is a testament to her legacy and a symbol of the importance of preserving nature.
Salumarada
Timmakka was born in a small village near Hulikal, in the state of Karnataka,
in the year 1910. She was married at the young age of 10 and became a widow
when she was just 30 years old. She had no children and lived a very difficult
life. Despite these hardships, she never gave up on her passion for planting
and nurturing trees.
Timmakka
started planting trees at a time when there were no environmental laws in place
to protect trees. She used to carry saplings on her back and plant them along
the roadside, which later became a dense green corridor. She was determined to
make a difference and worked tirelessly to transform the barren landscape
around her village into a lush green area.
Over
the years, Timmakka became an inspiration to many people. The government
recognized her work, and she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest
civilian awards, in the year 2019. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 107,
but her legacy lives on through the Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park.
The
Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park was established by the Manipal Institute of
Technology in collaboration with the Udupi district administration, in honor of
Timmakka's contributions to the environment. The park covers an area of
approximately 5 acres and is home to over 2000 trees of various species.
The
park has a walking trail that allows visitors to explore the various sections
of the park. The trail is lined with trees on both sides, providing shade and a
refreshing atmosphere. There are several benches along the trail, where
visitors can rest and enjoy the serene surroundings.
One
of the highlights of the park is the avenue of trees that are shaped like
arches. These trees were planted by Timmakka herself and were carefully
nurtured by her. Today, they stand tall and proud, forming a beautiful archway
that is truly mesmerizing.
The
park also has a nursery, where saplings of various species are grown and
nurtured. These saplings are later planted in different areas to promote
greenery and protect the environment. The park also hosts various events and
programs, such as tree planting drives, environmental awareness programs, and
workshops on sustainable living.
The
Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park is not just a park; it is a symbol of hope and
inspiration. It is a tribute to a woman who dedicated her entire life to
protect the environment and promote greenery. The park is a reminder of the
importance of preserving nature and the impact that one person can make on the
world.
In
conclusion, the Salumarada Timmakka Tree Park is a beautiful and inspiring
place that should be visited by anyone who loves nature and cares about the
environment. It is a testimony to the power of determination and passion, and a
reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect our planet. The park is a
fitting tribute to Salumarada Timmakka and a reminder of her extraordinary
legacy.
