The coastal city of Mangaluru and the wider academic community are in mourning following the passing of renowned educationist, philanthropist, and visionary social reformer, N Vinaya Hegde. The Chancellor of Nitte University died on Thursday at the age of 86, leaving behind a monumental legacy of service through education and healthcare.
From Industrialist to Institution Builder
Born in 1939 to Meenakshi Hegde and jurist-parliamentarian Justice KS Hegde, Vinaya Hegde was instilled with a strong sense of public duty from a young age. After forging a successful career in industry, notably as the founder of the Lamina Group of Companies, he made a pivotal decision to redirect his life towards societal upliftment.
This commitment crystallized in 1979 with the establishment of the Nitte Education Trust. Driven by the belief that education and health are the most potent tools for social change, he started with a modest Kannada-medium school. This seed grew into a vast ecosystem comprising 43 institutions, including schools, professional colleges, and hospitals. Today, this network serves over 29,000 students and provides employment to more than 5,500 staff members.
A Holistic Model of Development
Hegde's vision was characterized by an integrated approach linking education, healthcare, and rural development. The Justice KS Hegde Charitable Hospital, supported by 23 rural health centres, delivers free and affordable care to underserved communities in Karnataka and northern Kerala.
His initiatives extended to specialized care, leaving a lasting impact through programs for cleft palate surgeries, geriatric care, community mental health services, and disability rehabilitation. In 2008, his efforts culminated in the establishment of Nitte (Deemed to be University), with four of its constituent colleges earning high ranks in the national NIRF rankings.
His inclusive vision reached nationally with the NAMASTE Centre for North Eastern Studies, founded in 2016. The centre provides fully sponsored education, residential care, and cultural exchange for students from India's northeastern states, supporting underprivileged children from Meghalaya from primary school through graduation.
A Legacy of Equality and Compassion
Vinaya Hegde championed the principle that "every person is equal," translating this philosophy into decades of actionable service. He established advanced research centres focused on neuroscience, regenerative medicine, cancer, and environmental health, insisting that research must address real-world problems.
His focus on holistic development saw him promoting sports, sanitation, and rural community participation long before such concepts became mainstream. He is survived by his wife Sujatha Hegde, son Vishal Hegde, daughter Ashwita Poonja, and siblings including former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde.
Condolences poured in from across sectors, with dignitaries like Speaker UT Khader, MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade, and district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao paying tribute. His mortal remains were kept for public homage at his residence, Sadanand in Shivbhag, and at Nitte, allowing the countless lives he touched to bid a final farewell to the architect of their futures.
