Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday, 29 August paid tribute to former Karnataka Chief Minister and statesman Ramakrishna Hegde on his 100th birth anniversary at Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru, hailing him as a visionary architect of grassroots democracy whose legacy continues to shape Indian governance.

Radhakrishnan's tribute: statesman, nationalist, institution-builder

Addressing the centenary gathering, Radhakrishnan described Hegde as 'a great statesman, nationalist and creator of leaders,' asserting that Karnataka had emerged as a model of governance under his stewardship. He invoked Hegde's philosophy in a pointed formulation: 'Strong States strengthen India, strong local governments strengthen States, and empowered citizens strengthen local government.'

Radhakrishnan also drew on a personal recollection, noting that Hegde had defined money simply as 'a comfortable life with a good home, good health, good education and a good car' — a reflection, he said, of Hegde's characteristic simplicity. The Vice President urged the younger generation to emulate Hegde's integrity and commitment to public service, invoking the principle of Rashtra Pratham — Nation First.

Hegde's decentralisation legacy and Panchayati Raj

A central theme of the tribute was Hegde's landmark contribution to decentralised governance. Radhakrishnan highlighted the Karnataka Zilla Parishads, Taluk Panchayat Samitis, Mandal Panchayats and Nyaya Panchayats Act, 1985, which brought administration closer to citizens at the village level. He noted that this vision was subsequently reinforced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which conferred constitutional status on Panchayati Raj Institutions across India.

Radhakrishnan also underlined Hegde's role in strengthening the Lokayukta in Karnataka, positioning accountability as a cornerstone of his governance philosophy. 'Great leaders can transform a moment. Great institution-builders transform generations,' he said.

Karnataka CM announces memorials and awards in Hegde's honour

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who inaugurated the centenary celebrations at the Vidhana Soudha Banquet Hall, announced a series of tributes to Hegde's memory. A proposed medical college in Uttara Kannada district will be named after him, a major road in Shivarama Karanth Layout, Bengaluru will bear his name, and an annual 'Ramakrishna Hegde Best Panchayat Award' will be instituted on his birth anniversary.

Shivakumar described Hegde as 'a leader who created leaders rather than followers,' crediting his Panchayati Raj reforms with inspiring both the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. He noted that Hegde promoted value-based politics and social justice beyond caste considerations, and viewed power as an opportunity to serve the public.

Personal reflections and political legacy

Shivakumar offered a personal dimension, recalling that Hegde and P.G.R. Sindhia had influenced his own entry into politics during his early days in Kanakapura. He added that Hegde had possessed the stature to become Prime Minister, but circumstances prevented it — a sentiment that drew visible resonance from the audience.

The event was attended by former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and other dignitaries, along with family members and friends of Ramakrishna Hegde. The centenary marks a moment of rare bipartisan reflection on a leader whose institutional contributions have outlasted political divisions.