“There can be no one like Vinay Hegde,” says Dr. B.A. Vivek Rai at Mangaluru tribute meet

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 3, 2026: Vinay Hegde was a leader who set new milestones in the fields of education and healthcare, loved all religions, and won the hearts of everyone. He was incomparable, and there can be no other person like Vinay Hegde along the coast, said Dr. B.A. Vivek Rai, former Vice-Chancellor of Hampi University.

Speaking at a public condolence meeting held on Friday at the Sharada Vidyalaya auditorium in Kodialbail, Mangaluru, in memory of Vinay Hegde, who passed away on Thursday, Dr. Vivek Rai said that Vinay Hegde was a source of leadership strength for the entire coastal region. “It is hard to come to terms with the loss of such a great force among us. Following his ideals is the true tribute we can pay him,” he said.

Starting a Kannada-medium school in the small village of Nitte, Vinay Hegde gradually expanded it into a vast educational institution. Today, Nitte has blossomed into a vibrant hub of learning. Alongside education, he also ventured into industry and provided employment to thousands. With remarkable achievements in education, industry, and healthcare, Vinay Hegde led a disciplined and exemplary life. “My mind refuses to accept that he is no more,” Dr. Vivek Rai added.

Bishop of the Mangaluru Diocese, Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, said Vinay Hegde lived up to his name by embodying humility and grace, leading an ideal life. His contributions to the medical and education sectors were immense, he noted.

President of Kanachur Institutions, Kanachur Monu, said the growth of Kanachur Medical College would not have been possible without Vinay Hegde’s support and cooperation, which should never be forgotten.

Sharada Educational Institutions President Prof. M.B. Puranik said society has lost a priceless gem who dedicated everything to the welfare of the people. Vinay Hegde was a man rich in heart and values, and his achievement in placing Nitte on the global map was truly extraordinary.

Nitte University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satish Kumar Bhandary said Vinay Hegde always showed deep concern for society by providing affordable healthcare services to the public. He never used institutional resources for personal gain, instead dedicating everything to societal development. He described Vinay Hegde as a role model.

MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath, former Deputy Commissioner Prabhakar Sharma, AJ Medical Institutions Director Dr. Prashanth Marla, former KASAPA state president Harikrishna Punarooru, Kalkura Foundation President S. Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, M.R. Vasudeva, Jagadish Shenava, and others paid their tributes.

Senior journalist P.S. Prakash, former Legislative Council member K. Monappa Bhandary, Karnataka Bank Chairman Raghavendra S. Bhatt, retired bank officer Mahabaleshwara M.S., former Mayor Shashidhara Hegde, and several others offered floral tributes.