Padma Shri Saalu Marada Thimmakka quiz

Saalu Marada Thimmakka, often celebrated as the “Mother of Trees,” is an iconic environmentalist from Karnataka whose extraordinary dedication to nature has inspired millions across the world. Born in the small village of Gubbi in the early 20th century, she overcame personal hardships and childlessness by nurturing life through trees. Along with her husband Chikkaiah, she planted 385 banyan trees along the dusty roads of Hulikal and Magadi, watering and protecting them like her own children. Her tireless work—done without formal education, resources or government support—grew into a symbol of selfless service and ecological preservation. Thimmakka’s contribution to afforestation earned her national and international recognition, including the Padma Shri Award in 2019. Today, she stands as a living testament to the power of individual action in protecting the environment, proving that one person’s commitment can create a green legacy for generations.

 

1) What is Saalu Marada Thimmakka best known for?
1. Planting banyan trees
2. Running a school
3. Writing books
4. Wildlife rescue

2) Where was Saalu Marada Thimmakka born?
1. Tumakuru
2. Ramanagara
3. Magadi
4. Hassan

3) How many banyan trees did she famously plant?
1. 385
2. 450
3. 1000
4. 250

4) What is the name of Thimmakka’s husband?
1. Chikkaiah
2. Raju
3. Muniyappa
4. Somanna

5) Saalu Marada Thimmakka is often called?
1. Mother of Rivers
2. Tree Doctor
3. Tree Goddess
4. The Echo Woman

6) Which prestigious award did she receive from the Government of India?
1. Bharat Ratna
2. Padma Shri
3. Padma Bhushan
4. Arjuna Award

7) In which year was she awarded the Padma Shri?
1. 2015
2. 2018
3. 2019
4. 2020

8) Which state does she belong to?
1. Kerala
2. Karnataka
3. Tamil Nadu
4. Andhra Pradesh

9) Which type of trees did Thimmakka mainly plant?
1. Neem
2. Banyan
3. Mango
4. Sandalwood

10) Why did Thimmakka start planting trees?
1. To create shade
2. To overcome personal sorrow
3. To get government support
4. To start farming

11) What was Thimmakka’s primary occupation?
1. Teacher
2. Agricultural laborer
3. Nurse
4. Forest officer

12) Which organization has honored her for environmental work?
1. UN Environment Programme
2. World Wildlife Fund
3. ISRO
4. UNESCO

13) What does the word Saalu Marada mean?
1. Mother of Forest
2. Row of Trees
3. Tree Planter
4. Green Lady

14) Where are the famous banyan trees planted by Thimmakka located?
1. Magadi Road
2. Mysuru Road
3. Hassan Highway
4. Tumakuru Road

15) Thimmakka’s work primarily promotes which cause?
1. Renewable energy
2. Afforestation
3. Animal conservation
4. Water harvesting

16) Which national leader publicly praised Thimmakka?
1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
2. Narendra Modi
3. Jawaharlal Nehru
4. APJ Abdul Kalam

17) What is Thimmakka’s approximate year of birth?
1. 1920
2. 1910
3. 1935
4. 1945

18) What is the name of the trust founded in her honor?
1. Thimmakka Green Trust
2. Saalu Marada Foundation
3. Green Warriors Trust
4. Thimmakka International Foundation

19) What did Thimmakka use to protect her saplings in the early days?
1. Plastic covers
2. Stone hedges
3. Thorny fencing
4. Bamboo sticks

20) Which of the following values does her life emphasize?
1. Competition
2. Material wealth
3. Environmental stewardship
4. Urban development