In a heartfelt tribute to a political pioneer, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced Saturday that the state will name a proposed medical college and a key Bengaluru road after former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde. The declarations came during centenary celebrations honoring Hegde’s enduring legacy—a legacy that reshaped Karnataka’s governance and education landscape.

Key facts

  • Medical college in Uttara Kannada, Hegde’s home district, to bear his name
  • Major road in Shivaram Karanth Layout, Bengaluru, also to be named after him
  • Announcement made August 29, 2026, at Vidhana Soudha during birth centenary event

A Legacy of Decentralization and Leadership

Shivakumar didn’t just unveil names; he revived memories. He spoke of Hegde’s groundbreaking experiments with decentralized governance—long before the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments formalized local self-government. “A leader is one who creates leaders, not followers,” Shivakumar said, echoing Hegde’s philosophy. That approach, he noted, nurtured a new generation of political talent and expanded professional education across Karnataka.

Honors Beyond Infrastructure

The recognition stretched further. Shivakumar revealed discussions about a new annual award—the ‘Ramakrishna Hegde Best Panchayat Award’—to be given on Hegde’s birth anniversary to top-performing village councils. It’s a move meant to cement Hegde’s vision of rural development and active democracy.

“Public office is not a position of power; it is a sacred trust,” Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan stated, capturing the ethos of Hegde’s career.

Voices of Respect and Remembrance

Leaders across parties united in praise. Former CM Siddaramaiah recalled how Hegde spotted and elevated talent, mentioning his own first ministerial appointment under Hegde’s guidance. Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu remembered him as “a democrat to the core,” committed to transferring power, funds, and functionaries to local bodies. Naidu urged young leaders to embrace Hegde’s mantra: “Be positive, be constructive, and do not be obstructive.”

The event, attended by state and national figures, also featured the release of a documentary and book on Hegde’s life—ensuring his contributions continue to inspire.