Mangaluru: Tribute to Vinay Hegde, founder of Nitte Group of Institutions

Mangaluru: Tribute to Vinay Hegde, founder of Nitte Group of Institutions

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 14, 2026: Dr. N. Vinay Hegde, who lived a life guided by honesty and dedication, was known for his warmth and personal connections with everyone. Recalling his life, his younger brother and retired Lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hegde said that Vinay Hegde always led the way in achievements.

At a condolence meeting held on Tuesday at the TMA Pai Hall in the city, Vinay Hegde—founder of the renowned Nitte Group of Educational Institutions, Chancellor of Nitte V.V. University, educationist, and industrialist—was remembered with floral tributes to his photograph.

Justice N. Santosh Hegde spoke of Vinay Hegde’s tireless efforts that elevated him to great heights, highlighting his successful establishment of Lemina institutions and the contribution of founding the K.S. Hegde Medical Academy to society.

Dr. Shantarama Shetty, Co-Chancellor of Nitte V.V. University, said that Vinay Hegde was a visionary who worked hard to turn his dreams into reality. His relentless efforts behind his accomplishments serve as an inspiration to others.

The program was attended by dignitaries including Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, legislators, former Chief Ministers, former ministers, Members of Parliament, and many others who paid their respects.

Among those present were A.J. Shetty, President of A.J. Group of Institutions; Ajit Kumar Rai Maladi, President of the Bunts’ Mother Tongue Association; Aikala Harish Shetty, President of the Global Bunts’ Federation; Chancellor of Yenepoya Vishwavidyalaya, Yenepoya Abdulla Kunju; C.A. Shantarama Shetty, Chairman of Indian Red Cross Unit; K. Ganesh Karnik; members of the Nitte Gutthu family—K. Prasanna Hegde, Nirmala Adyantay, Asha Ajil, Sujata Vinay Hegde, Ashwit, Rohit Poonja, Vishal, Rupa Hegde, Avishka, Viren, Vaishnavi—and leaders from various organizations in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod districts, all of whom paid floral tributes.

Former Chief Ministers, senior ministers, former ministers, legislators, former legislators, entrepreneurs, and educationists from across the state also offered their respects. Thousands of Vinay Hegde’s close friends, admirers, family members, and officers and staff of Nitte institutions paid homage by offering floral tributes to his photograph.