Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today paid tribute to former Karnataka Chief Minister and statesman Shri Ramakrishna Hegde Ji on his 100th birth anniversary at Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru. Describing him as a great statesman, nationalist and creator of leaders, he said Karnataka emerged as a role model for governance under Shri Hegde Ji’s leadership.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said Shri Hegde Ji was a bold leader who stood firm on his convictions and laid the foundations of several modern governance institutions in Karnataka. His public life, he said, was guided by decentralisation, accountability, citizen participation, federalism and faith in institutions.
Recalling his contribution to decentralisation, the Vice President highlighted the Karnataka Zilla Parishads, Taluk Panchayat Samitis, Mandal Panchayats and Nyaya Panchayats Act, 1985, which brought governance closer to the people. He noted that this vision was subsequently strengthened through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Sharing a personal recollection, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said Shri Hegde Ji had given a simple definition of money: a comfortable life with a good home, good health, good education and a good car, “what is money more than that?” He said the observation reflected Shri Hegde Ji’s simplicity and perspective on life.
Highlighting his emphasis on accountability, the Vice President recalled the strengthening of the Lokayukta in Karnataka and said public office is a stewardship of trust. He also underlined Shri Hegde Ji’s belief that strong States strengthen India, strong local governments strengthen States, and empowered citizens strengthen local government.
Describing Shri Hegde Ji as a builder of institutions and leaders, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said, “Great leaders can transform a moment. Great institution-builders transform generations.” He called upon the younger generation to emulate Shri Hegde Ji’s integrity, courage and commitment to public service and uphold Rashtra Pratham—Nation First, saying that carrying forward these values would be the most meaningful tribute to his legacy.
The programme was attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Shri D. K. Shivakumar, former Vice-President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, former Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, and other dignitaries, including family members and friends of Shri Hegde Ji.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today paid tribute to former Karnataka Chief Minister and statesman Shri Ramakrishna Hegde Ji on his 100th birth anniversary at Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru. Describing him as a great statesman, nationalist and creator of leaders, he said Karnataka emerged as a role model for governance under Shri Hegde Ji’s leadership.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said Shri Hegde Ji was a bold leader who stood firm on his convictions and laid the foundations of several modern governance institutions in Karnataka. His public life, he said, was guided by decentralisation, accountability, citizen participation, federalism and faith in institutions.
Recalling his contribution to decentralisation, the Vice President highlighted the Karnataka Zilla Parishads, Taluk Panchayat Samitis, Mandal Panchayats and Nyaya Panchayats Act, 1985, which brought governance closer to the people. He noted that this vision was subsequently strengthened through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment giving constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Sharing a personal recollection, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said Shri Hegde Ji had given a simple definition of money: a comfortable life with a good home, good health, good education and a good car, “what is money more than that?” He said the observation reflected Shri Hegde Ji’s simplicity and perspective on life.
Highlighting his emphasis on accountability, the Vice President recalled the strengthening of the Lokayukta in Karnataka and said public office is a stewardship of trust. He also underlined Shri Hegde Ji’s belief that strong States strengthen India, strong local governments strengthen States, and empowered citizens strengthen local government.
Describing Shri Hegde Ji as a builder of institutions and leaders, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said, “Great leaders can transform a moment. Great institution-builders transform generations.” He called upon the younger generation to emulate Shri Hegde Ji’s integrity, courage and commitment to public service and uphold Rashtra Pratham—Nation First, saying that carrying forward these values would be the most meaningful tribute to his legacy.
The programme was attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Shri D. K. Shivakumar, former Vice-President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, former Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, and other dignitaries, including family members and friends of Shri Hegde Ji.
