Stalwart who shaped Bengaluru
Hindustan Times Thane|December 11, 2024
BENGALURU: Former external affairs minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, who rose through Karnataka politics to take national centre stage and helped transform Bengaluru into a global information technology hub, died after prolonged illness on Tuesday morning.
Arun Dev
Stalwart who shaped Bengaluru

left behind a rich legacy of statesmanship and public service. Kharge hailed Krishna as a true champion of development who made significant contributions to the state and the nation. "His vision, dedication and exceptional public service played a pivotal role in Karnataka's progress, while his approach to balance welfare with development placed a global stamp on Bengaluru's transformative paradigm. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and followers," he said on X.

Born on May 1, 1932, in the Somanahalli village of Mandya district, Krishna's early life was defined by academic excellence. The son of SC Mallaiah, he earned a law degree from Bengaluru's Government Law College and went on to become a Fulbright Scholar at Southern Methodist University and George Washington University in the United States. Inspired by John F Kennedy's leadership during his time in the US, Krishna often cited Kennedy as his political ideal.

Upon returning to India, Krishna initially worked as a professor of international law at Renukacharya Law College in Bengaluru. However, his passion for public service led him to enter politics in 1962.

Krishna quickly rose through the political ranks, entering national politics in 1968 as a Lok Sabha member. Representing Mandya for two consecutive terms, he later returned to Karnataka politics in 1972. Over the years, he held key positions, including minister for commerce, industries, and parliamentary affairs, speaker of the Karnataka assembly, and Rajya Sabha member.

As chief minister from 1999 to 2004, Krishna spearheaded a period of transformation in Karnataka. Under his leadership, Bengaluru became synonymous with India's tech revolution. His governance emphasised public-private partnerships and corpoglobal recognition for "Brand Bengaluru". Visionary initiatives such as the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF) exemplified his forward-thinking approach to urban development.

This story is from the December 11, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Thane.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 11, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Thane.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HINDUSTAN TIMES THANEView All
Hindustan Times Thane

Cummins, the pace spearhead driving Australia's serial success

Knack for wickets, unparalleled control and a never-say-die attitude for which Glenn McGrath will be revered as possibly the greatest Australian fast bowler in the last four decades.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Hindustan Times Thane

Agarkar To Brief Selectors Ahead Of BCCI Meet On Sunday

The selection committee will be in full attendance for the knockout rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-dayers in Vadodara, which start with the pre-quarter finals on Thursday.

time-read
1 min  |
January 08, 2025
Hindustan Times Thane

Djokovic: At his happy hunting ground, with an old foe in tow

The Serbian has worked with Becker, Agassi and Ivanisevic. In Murray he has access to the mind of a master tactician

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Hindustan Times Thane

Indian Hockey Players Bonding With the Best in Relaunched HIL

Skipper Sumit Walmiki and Australian Tim Brand walked to the dugout, shared a laugh and high-fived after Hyderabad Toofans' practice.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Hindustan Times Thane

Shooter Tomar finds fresh high after domestic double

Varun Tomar's dream of representing India at the Paris Olympics was crushed when he lost in the domestic selection trials to pick the final squad.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Hindustan Times Thane

Neeraj to star in a world javelin event in India

India's two-time Olympic medallist and reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra will be the star attraction in a marquee international javelin tournament at home later this year, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) said on Tuesday.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Hindustan Times Thane

Cloud over review of 14-yr-old trade pact with Asean

THE REVIEW HAS STALLED SINCE INDIA'S OFFER OF A UNIFIED DUTY STRUCTURE HAS NOT FOUND FAVOUR AMONG ASEAN MEMBERS

time-read
2 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Hindustan Times Thane

Meta Goes For Community Notes, Ends Fact-Checking

Meta Platforms chief executive officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced a decision to do away with the company's long-standing fact-checking teams—choosing instead to establish a 'community notes' mechanism akin to Elon Musk's X, formerly Twitter.

time-read
1 min  |
January 08, 2025
Hindustan Times Thane

Microsoft to Invest $3 Billion in AI, Cloud Expansion in India

The tech giant also plans to train 10 million people in AI skills in India by 2030

time-read
2 mins  |
January 08, 2025
Hindustan Times Thane

Capex allocation likely to rise 10% for roads, rlys

The Centre proposes to keep its focus on rapid infrastructure growth in the next financial year, with plans to push capex allocation for the ministries of road transport and highways, and railways in the upcoming budget by up to 10%, two persons aware of the development said.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 08, 2025