A Tree in Time: The Remarkable Story of Saalumarada Thimmakka
Published On : 2024-03-04T17:41:14+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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India / Bengaluru :
In the heart of the southwestern state of Karnataka, India, a remarkable woman named Saalumarada Thimmakka embarked on a journey that would shape her legacy as an environmental icon. Despite humble beginnings and facing adversity, Saalumarada's unwavering dedication to nature transformed her into a symbol of hope and resilience.
Saalumarada Thimmakka's story begins in the remote village of Hulikal, where as a young bride, she planted her first banyan tree in hopes of receiving a child. Although her wish remained unfulfilled, Saalumarada's love for trees blossomed into a lifelong passion. With no formal education or resources, she single-handedly planted and nurtured a breathtaking avenue of banyan trees stretching over 28 kilometers, along with thousands of other trees in her community.
Her extraordinary commitment to tree planting earned her the admiration of her fellow villagers and eventually the nation. Despite her age – believed to be an astonishing 112 years – Saalumarada's story continues to inspire generations, much like youth environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
In the UK, Saalumarada's story is being brought to life through "A Tree in Time," a dance and storytelling performance debuting at the Huddersfield Literature Festival. Artistic director Shantha Rao, herself hailing from Karnataka, spearheaded the project to share Saalumarada's remarkable journey with audiences abroad.
Rao's quest to capture the essence of Saalumarada's life led her on a journey to Bangalore, where the revered environmentalist now resides. Despite challenges in locating her humble abode, Rao's determination paid off as she finally met Saalumarada and experienced firsthand the depth of her devotion to nature.
The encounter left a profound impact on Rao, who was deeply moved by Saalumarada's simplicity and unwavering dedication. Saalumarada's hands, weathered by years of toil, served as a testament to her lifelong commitment to nurturing the earth.
"A Tree in Time" aims to convey Saalumarada's message of environmental stewardship to audiences, particularly young people. Rao hopes to ignite a spark of inspiration in the hearts of viewers, encouraging them to take small steps towards protecting the planet.
As the world grapples with environmental challenges, Saalumarada Thimmakka's story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of individual actions in creating a sustainable future.
"A Tree in Time" will premiere at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield on April 23, captivating audiences with its captivating portrayal of Saalumarada Thimmakka's extraordinary journey.
Source : The Guardian
Tags : Saalumarada Thimmakka , environmental activism , A Tree in Time , tree planting , Indian culture , eco-activism , Huddersfield Literature Festival ,
Summary : "A Tree in Time" brings to life the extraordinary journey of Saalumarada Thimmakka, a legendary environmental activist from India who planted hundreds of trees. This dance and storytelling performance, debuting at the Huddersfield Literature Festival, celebrates her legacy and inspires audiences to embrace environmental stewardship.
