The academic community in Karnataka is in mourning following the demise of Prof. Suryanarayana Narayana Hegde, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore. The distinguished scholar and administrator passed away on Tuesday. He was 86 years old.
A Stalwart of Higher Education
Prof. S.N. Hegde served as the Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious University of Mysore for a significant tenure from 1998 to 2001. His leadership during this period is remembered for its commitment to academic excellence and institutional growth. Before ascending to the vice-chancellorship, Prof. Hegde had a long and illustrious association with the same university, having been a professor in the Department of Studies in Law.
His academic journey was marked by deep expertise in legal studies. He was recognized as an eminent authority on the Indian Constitution and Labour Laws. Beyond his administrative role, he was a revered teacher and guide, shaping the minds of countless students who passed through the university's law department.
Final Rites and Survivors
The last rites of Prof. S.N. Hegde were performed on Wednesday in Mysuru. He is survived by his family, including his son, Narayan Hegde, and other relatives. The news of his passing has elicited condolences from colleagues, former students, and dignitaries across the state's educational and political spheres.
Leaving Behind a Lasting Legacy
The death of Prof. Hegde represents the loss of a towering figure in Karnataka's higher education landscape. His contributions extended beyond mere administration. As a constitutional expert, his insights were valued in wider academic and legal discussions. His tenure as VC is often cited as a period of steady governance for the University of Mysore, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in India.
Colleagues remember him not just for his professional accomplishments but also for his integrity and dedication to the core values of university education. His work in the field of labour law provided crucial perspectives on workers' rights and industrial relations within the Indian legal framework. The void left by his passing will be deeply felt by the institution he served for decades and by the many whose lives he touched as an educator and mentor.
