NIOS English Notes – Chapter 3: Reading with Understanding | DU SOL B.A Prog./Hons All Semester

1. Chapter Summary:

This inspiring lesson is based on the life of Saalumarada Thimmakka, an Indian environmentalist from Karnataka, famously known as the “Mother of Banyan Trees.” Born in poverty and facing social judgment for being childless, Thimmakka turned her pain into purpose by planting over 8,000 trees, including 385 banyan trees along a highway.

Despite lacking formal education and working as a daily wage laborer in a quarry, she and her husband brought water from more than 4 kilometers away to nurture saplings. Her dedication made her a national icon.

In recognition of her efforts, she received the Padma Shri, the National Citizens Award, and earned the title ‘Vriksha Mathe’ (Mother of Trees). Even today, her simplicity, compassion, and concern for nature make her an extraordinary example of sustainability and resilience.

1.1 Important Points:

• Saalumarada Thimmakka is an environmentalist from Karnataka.

• Planted 385 banyan trees over a 4-kilometer stretch of highway.

• Overcame emotional struggles due to childlessness.

• With her husband, dedicated her life to planting trees.

• Carried water for several kilometers to care for saplings.

• Lacked formal education, worked in a quarry.

• Tree value is estimated at over 1.5 million rupees.

• Her trees are now protected by the Karnataka Government.

• She met the Chief Minister to prevent tree cutting.

• Awarded the Padma Shri by President Ram Nath Kovind in 2019.

• Despite national honors, she still lives in poverty.

• Her life is a symbol of strength, sacrifice, and environmental consciousness.

1.2 Lesson to Learn:

When you plant a tree, you don’t just plant a sapling — you plant hope. Trees are essential for life, and we must protect and preserve them. Thimmakka’s story reminds us that even without money or education, a person can bring great change with passion and dedication.

1.3 Learn These Words:

1.4 Did You Know?

The Chipko Movement (1973) was a major forest conservation movement in India, where villagers hugged trees to prevent them from being cut. It was led by Gaura Devi and became a symbol of community-led environmental activism.

1.5 Extend Your Horizon:

Create a poster on the importance of trees and list practical actions people can take to help conserve natural resources in their local environment.

1.6 Evaluate Yourself:

1. "The couple looked after the saplings because it gave them happiness and satisfaction." Explain.
   Answer: Thimmakka and her husband treated the saplings like their children. Caring for the trees gave them a sense of joy and purpose that filled the emotional void in their lives.

2. Find a word from the passage which means “cover.”
   Answer: Canopy

3. Why was Thimmakka awarded the National Citizens Award and Padma Shri?
   Answer: For her lifelong dedication to planting trees and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.

4. In your own words, write down the importance of trees.
   Answer: Trees support life by giving us oxygen, improving air quality, conserving water, and providing shelter to countless species. They are essential for environmental balance.

5. What did Thimmakka do to ensure the safety of her plants?
   Answer: She personally watered and protected the saplings. She even approached government officials to ensure that her trees were not cut down for development projects.

1.7 Maximize Your Marks:

• Practice all short and long answer questions based on the summary.

• Learn word meanings and use them in sentences.

• Write a biographical sketch of Saalumarada Thimmakka (250–300 words).

1.8 Sample Biographical Sketch:

Saalumarada Thimmakka is a self-taught environmentalist from Karnataka. Born into a poor family and uneducated, she turned her personal sorrow into a mission for environmental protection. Along with her husband, she planted 385 banyan trees along a highway and later thousands more. Despite living in poverty, her work was recognized with the Padma Shri and National Citizens Award. Known as Vriksha Mathe, she remains a powerful example of how simple actions and consistent effort can make a national impact.