Vinaya Hegde’s Life an Inspiration to Society: Ajith Kumar Rai Maladi

Vinaya Hegde’s Life an Inspiration to Society: Ajith Kumar Rai Maladi

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 11, 2026: The life and values of Nitte Vinaya Hegde, who made significant contributions to the education and healthcare sectors, continue to inspire society, said K. Ajith Kumar Rai Maladi, president of the Buntara Yane Nadavara Mathru Sangha.

He was speaking at a condolence and tribute meeting held in memory of the late Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor of the Nitte University, at the Smt. Geetha S.M. Shetty Hall near Bunts Hostel in Mangaluru city.

Recalling Hegde’s simple and dignified personality, Mr. Rai said his service to society was invaluable and his memory would remain everlasting. “His way of life is a model for all of us. There is no other Bunt like him. Let us move forward on the path he showed,” he said.

Colonel Sharashchandra Bhandary said the ideals upheld by Vinaya Hegde should be imbibed in daily life. He also suggested installing a statue of Hegde in Mangaluru and naming a road or circle after him.

Vidhyadhara Shetty Kolnadu Guthu described Vinaya Hegde’s demise as an irreparable loss to society, noting that his simple life reflected a strong commitment to work and service to the Bunt community.

General secretary of the Sangha K.M. Shetty, former mayor Shashidhara Hegde, Dr. Asha Jyothi Rai and Bhaskara Rai Kukkuvalli also spoke.

Vice-president Kavu Hemanatha Shetty, Nitte Guthu Raviraj Shetty, Shedde Manjunatha Bhandari, Umesh Rai Padavu Megan Mane, Krishnaprasad Rai, Jayarama Santa and others were present. The programme was compered by K. Purushottama Bhandari, Adyar, and Kavu Hemanatha Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.