Mangaluru, January 1, 2026: Sri N Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University) and a towering figure in the fields of education, healthcare, and social service, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning. His demise marks the end of an era for the Nitte education movement and for the coastal Karnataka region at large.

He was widely respected for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to public welfare, and lifelong dedication to nation-building through education and service.

A life dedicated to education and service

Sri N Vinaya Hegde played a pivotal role in shaping Nitte (Deemed to be University) into one of India’s leading institutions of higher education. Under his stewardship, the Nitte Group expanded across disciplines including medicine, dentistry, engineering, pharmacy, nursing, allied health sciences, management, and humanities.

Beyond academics, his contributions extended to healthcare, rural development, and social upliftment, earning him widespread admiration across Karnataka and beyond. His leadership was marked by humility, accessibility, and a deep sense of responsibility toward society.

Public viewing arrangements

According to the official announcement, the mortal remains of Sri N Vinaya Hegde will be kept for public homage at the following locations:

  • Residence: Sadanand, Shivbhag, Mangaluru
    Time: 8.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. today
  • Nitte Campus:
    Time: 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. today

Details regarding the final rites are expected to be announced later.

Tributes pour in

Condolences and tributes have begun pouring in from academicians, medical professionals, public leaders, students, alumni, and well-wishers, remembering Sri Hegde as a compassionate leader who combined administrative excellence with human values.

Many recalled his quiet yet impactful approach to leadership, his emphasis on discipline and ethics, and his belief that education must ultimately serve society.

A lasting legacy

Sri N Vinaya Hegde’s legacy will continue to live on through the thousands of students educated under the Nitte banner, the institutions he nurtured, and the countless lives touched by his philanthropic initiatives.

The management, faculty, students, and staff of Nitte (Deemed to be University), along with the wider academic and medical fraternity, mourn the loss of a visionary leader whose contributions will be remembered for generations.