Nitte University Chancellor, N. Vinaya Hegde Passes Away

Nitte University Chancellor, N. Vinaya Hegde Passes Away

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 1, 2026: Sri N. Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor of Nitte University, a distinguished industrialist, prominent philanthropist and educationist, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning. He was 86. 

His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at his residence, Sadanand, Shivbhag, Mangaluru, from 8.30 am to 3 pm today and later at the Nitte campus between 4.30 pm and 6 pm, enabling the public, well-wishers and members of the academic community to pay their last respects.

Sri Vinaya Hegde is a visionary leader,  known for transforming education in the Dakshina Kannada, turning villages into educational hubs through numerous institutions in engineering, medical, and management. He  will be remembered for ever.

Born on April 3, 1939, Sri. Vinaya Hegde is the Second Son of Late Justice K S Hegde, Former Justice of Supreme Court of India and Former Speaker of Lok Sabha. His Mother, Late Mrs. Meenakshi Hegde, who belonged to Nitte Village. Vinaya Hegde received his early education at St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru, and went on to earn a BSc degree from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru. After a brief professional stint at Canara Workshops Ltd., he ventured into entrepreneurship. In 1975, he founded his flagship enterprise, Lamina Suspension Products Ltd., marking the beginning of a remarkable entrepreneurial journey.

With vision, perseverance and inspired team leadership, Hegde built—almost from the ground up—two major institutions: a successful industrial enterprise and a pioneering educational organisation. Both grew into respected symbols of excellence and stand testimony to what one individual, guided by conviction and commitment, can achieve in a lifetime. His contributions to higher education, in particular, have left an enduring imprint on the region and beyond.

He establish Nitte Education Trust in 1979 not only to extend Education but also to empower the young generation. Over the past 45 years it has grown into the largest educational organisation of D. K. Today the trust, and Nitte University has under its umbrella a string of twenty two institutions covering the entire educational spectrum - from schools to pre¬university and first grade colleges to polytechnic to professional colleges like engineering, medical, dental, pharmaceutical, nursing and hotel management spread over three campuses: Nitte, Mangalore and Bangalore. 

And unlike many other lesser success stories, in Vinay Hegde’s case, success has only brought out the best in the man. Not one to rest on his laurels, he has used his wealth for social good. Taking a great interest in rural development, he has been personally supervising several rural uplift projects. These include running 24 rural hospitals, financial support to poor students and projects for women’s empowerment.

In recognition of his achievements, Hegde received several honours, including the Udyoga Pathra Award from the Institute of Trade and Industrial Development, New Delhi (1980); the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry Award (1999); the Outstanding Manager of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts Award (1999); and the Best Public Relations Person Award (2001). He was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by Mangalore University.

He is survived by his wife Sujata, daughter Ashwita R. Punja, and son Vishal Hegde. His passing marks the end of an era, and he will be remembered with deep respect for his leadership, humility and lasting contributions to industry and education.