Deve Gowda remembers wife Chennamma, 72 years of life together
Synopsis
Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda's tribute to his late wife Chennamma — who died on 18 July after 72 years of marriage — is a rare unguarded moment from a career politician. His note, crediting her as the silent source of every public achievement, reveals how much of Indian political history was shaped by a woman who deliberately stayed out of it.
Key Takeaways
Former Prime Minister H.D.
Deve Gowda penned an emotional tribute to his late wife Chennamma on 25 July 2025 .
Chennamma passed away on 18 July 2025 after 72 years of marriage to Deve Gowda.
She was laid to rest at Mavinakere in Holenarasipura taluk , Hassan district .
Deve Gowda credited Chennamma as the silent source of strength behind his entire political career — from legislator to Prime Minister.
He specifically thanked Chief Minister D.K.
Shivakumar , Union Ministers, and the people of Hassan district for their condolences and support.
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Friday, 25 July 2025, penned a deeply personal tribute to his late wife Chennamma, who passed away on 18 July, expressing gratitude to the people of Karnataka for the outpouring of condolences and support his family received following her demise. The note, heartfelt in tone, reflected on 72 years of companionship and Chennamma's quiet, steadfast role behind one of India's most enduring political careers.
A Life Lived in the Shadows of Service
Deve Gowda recalled that Chennamma stood beside him at every stage of his political journey — from his early years as a legislator and Leader of the Opposition, through his tenure as Chief Minister of Karnataka, to his time as Prime Minister of India. 'She walked beside me, step by step, for 72 long years. During this difficult time, when the lamp of our home has been extinguished, I offer my folded hands in gratitude to everyone who shared our grief and gave us strength,' he wrote.
Reflecting on the nature of her contribution, the former Prime Minister said all public recognition came to him, but the source of strength behind it was Chennamma. 'Like sandalwood that wears itself away while spreading fragrance, her boundless affection and sacrifices brought completeness to my life,' he added.
Devotion, Simplicity and Humility
Deve Gowda described Chennamma as deeply spiritual and compassionate, crediting her with transforming their home through devotion, simplicity and traditional values. He said she remained an embodiment of humility and motherhood throughout her life, placing immense value on human relationships.
'Though she was the wife of a former Prime Minister, she lived as an ordinary woman until her final moments. She ensured that politics never touched her personality, kindness or affection,' he wrote. The tribute paints a picture of a woman who deliberately kept herself apart from the political spotlight, even as she was central to the life of one of India's former heads of government.
Gratitude to Karnataka and Hassan
Deve Gowda extended his thanks to a wide cross-section of those who paid their respects — including Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Union Ministers, former Chief Ministers, religious leaders, legislators, media personnel, police officials, and citizens from all walks of life. He made a special mention of the people of Hassan district, saying he was overwhelmed by the affection they had shown towards Chennamma, whom many regarded as a motherly figure.
'To merely say "thank you" would be too small. I bow before everyone who stood with my family and gave us courage during this period of immense loss,' he said. Chennamma was laid to rest at Mavinakere in Holenarasipura taluk of Hassan district.
Final Words
Deve Gowda concluded his tribute by stating that both he and Chennamma would remain forever indebted to the people of Karnataka for their affection and solidarity during the family's time of grief. The note stands as a rare, unguarded moment from a politician known for decades of public life — a reminder that behind every public figure is a private world, and that Chennamma was the quiet centre of his.
Point of View
Unguarded, and free of any political framing. That a man who has navigated decades of coalition politics chose to describe his wife as 'sandalwood that wears itself away' says something about the private cost of public life. The tribute also quietly underscores a pattern common to India's political families: the women who sustain careers that make history are rarely part of the history that gets written. Chennamma's deliberate distance from politics, as Deve Gowda describes it, was itself a form of discipline — one that rarely gets acknowledged until it is too late.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chennamma, wife of H.D. Deve Gowda?
Chennamma was the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, to whom she was married for 72 years. She was known for her spirituality, simplicity and humility, and according to Deve Gowda, she ensured that politics never touched her personality or conduct.
When did Chennamma pass away?
Chennamma passed away on 18 July 2025. She was subsequently laid to rest at Mavinakere in Holenarasipura taluk of Hassan district in Karnataka.
What did H.D. Deve Gowda write in his tribute to Chennamma?
Deve Gowda wrote that Chennamma walked beside him for 72 years through every phase of his political life. He described her as the silent source of strength behind all his public achievements, comparing her to 'sandalwood that wears itself away while spreading fragrance.'
Who attended the last rites of Chennamma?
According to Deve Gowda's tribute, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Union Ministers, former Chief Ministers, religious leaders, legislators, media personnel and police officials were among those who paid their respects. The people of Hassan district, who regarded Chennamma as a motherly figure, also turned out in large numbers.
Where was Chennamma buried?
Chennamma was laid to rest at Mavinakere in Holenarasipura taluk of Hassan district, Karnataka.
