December 10, 2024e-Paper
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December 10, 2024e-Paper
Updated – December 10, 2024 01:13 pm IST
Former Karnataka CM S.M. Krishna’s mortal remains kept at his house in Sadashivanagara, Bengaluru.
Former External Affairs Minister and Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna passed away at his residence on Tuesday (December 10, 2024) morning, his family said. The 92-year-old veteran was ailing for quite some time.
Krishna held prominent positions throughout his career as External Affairs Minister, Maharashtra Governor, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Minister in the Karnataka government. He not only laid a strong foundation for the growth of IT and BT industries in Karnataka but also managed to get them onboard with the government to build “Brand Bengaluru” at the international level.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several political and business leaders across the nation have expressed their condolences for Krishna’s death.
Follow LIVE updates here:
Karnataka government announces a three-day State mourning for S.M. Krishna’s death. Cremation will be done in his village in his home district Mandya with State honours on December 11, the State government says.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K Stalin on Tuesday said he was deeply saddened by the passing of former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna.
In his condolence message, he said Krishna was visionary leader and a stalwart of Indian politics. Mr Stalin also recalled Krishna’s close association with DMK leader M. Karunanidhi.
“He shared a close bond with Thalaivar Kalaignar, dating back to the late 1960s, built on mutual respect and a shared vision for regional cooperation and progressive governance. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and @INCIndia cadre. His remarkable contributions will be remembered for generations to come,” he said.
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S.M. Krishna, then The Union Minister of State for Industries, lighting the lamp to inaugurate the ninth All India Public Relations Conference in Bengaluru on February 02, 1984. | THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Rajya Sabha members, led by Chairman of the Upper House Jagdeep Dhankar, expressed profound sorrow at the passing away of S.M. Krishna on December 10, 2024.
“Shri Krishna’s illustrious career saw him don many hats: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly (1989–1993), Member of 4th, 5th and 7th Lok Sabha and Member of Rajya Sabha for two terms (i.e. from 1996 to 1999 and from 2008 to 2014), Member of both the Karnataka Assembly and Council, Deputy Chief Minister (1993 to 1994), Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999-2004, Governor of Maharashtra (2004–2008) and India’s External Affairs Minister (2009–2012).
“As External Affairs Minister, his tenure was marked by India’s active engagement in global diplomacy, with a focus on strengthening India’s position on the world stage.
“Shri Krishna is credited by many for placing Bengaluru on the global map as India’s ‘Silicon Valley’. In the passing away of Shri S.M. Krishna, the country has lost a veteran statesman, an able administrator and a transformative leader.
“We deeply mourn the passing away of Shri S.M. Krishna.”
S.M. Krishna’s tenure as the Chief Minister, from 1999 to 2004, were the foundational years of Indian IT. Krishna played a huge role in growing the tech industry to a certain size by encouraging Indian and foreign enterprises to invest in Karnataka through his diplomatic interventions and convincing pitches, although in the early 2000s no one could foresee that Bengaluru (Bangalore then) and Karnataka in some years would emerge as the tech flag bearer for the entire country.
Read Mini Tejaswi’s story on how Krishna set the ball rolling for Bengaluru transformation into an IT powerhouse.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri S.M. Krishna Ji. He made invaluable contributions to public life, serving with distinction as Chief Minister of Karnataka and Union Minister of External Affairs. He has left behind a rich legacy of Statesmanship and Public Service. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
– Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
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The President, Zail Singh, administering the oath of the office of Minister of State for Industry to S.M. Krishna at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on January 29, 1983. | PIB
Ninety-two-year-old Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna (S.M. Krishna), who passed away on December 10, was a charismatic leader with a modern outlook, who created a niche for himself in the country’s political landscape with his administrative skills and a unique vision of development.
Read B.S. Satish Kumar’s obituary.
Deeply saddened by the demise of former Union Minister, former Governor of Maharashtra and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri S.M. Krishna Ji. His demise is a big loss to the Nation, and his contributions to India’s progress will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and relatives. Om Shanti!!
– Om Birla, Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha
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S.M. Krishna was a visionary gentleman-politician who encouraged IT, new Bangalore airport and several other foundational ideas to advance Karnataka, says Infosys founder Narayana Murthy.
The above image of Mr. Krishna and Mr. Murthy was taken during the inauguration ceremony to mark the commencement of work on the Bangalore international airport at Devanahalli near Bengaluru on January 29, 2004. | Photo: G.R.N. Somashekar
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Karnataka government declares holiday for government offices, schools and colleges across the State on Wednesday (December 11, 2024) in honour of S.M. Krishna. He will be cremated at his village in Mandya district with full state honours tomorrow.
“Remembering Shri SM Krishna ji, one of the finest statesman and a truly humble leader, a true visionary who helped shape the IT industry as we know it. His legacy of putting India on the world map. I remember his words, “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the IT industry he gave wings to. He will be deeply missed,” says Avinash Vashistha, former India MD, Accenture, and currently Chairman and CEO, THOLONS, an IT Globalization Advisory firm building GCC and Innovation Hubs, based in Bengaluru.
Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai has said that with S.M. Krishna’s death, the nation has lost a senior and guide.
By leading a principled, transparent life, Krishna had become a model for all those who are in public life and had endeared himself to many in the country, Mr Bommai said.
The Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting and dinner scheduled to be held in Belagavi today has been cancelled after the passing away of S.M. Krishna, State Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar said.
“S.M. Krishna was a moderniser, a visionary and a man who broke barriers. His path-breaking policies saw Bengaluru take strong leadership positions in IT & BT. It was S.M. Krishna who created Vision Groups for IT and BT with business leaders at the helm, a policy development model that is world beating and has enabled the state to come out with first time policies in the country. Subsequent governments in Karnataka have built on this model. He also created BATF to address the city’s infra development- a model that the present government urgently needs to emulate. He was a people’s CM who was approachable and charismatic. The state owes a great deal to him for the progressive changes he delivered. He leaves an unforgettable legacy which makes him one of the great Chief Ministers of our state and country,” says Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon.
“It is great loss to India as whole and IT fraternity in particular. He was great supporter of Tech industry has put-in foundational blocks for Silicon Valley of India. During his tenure, IIIT-B, IT vision groups, Bangalore IT.com, KITVEN fund and STPI centres in Mysore, Mangalore and Hubli were started. We lost him on the day TiE Global summit is starting, TiE Bangalore chapter was started during his period,” says BV. Naidu, Chairman, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission and also the first Director of STPI Bangalore, who had an opportunity to work closely with S.M. Krishna.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Karnataka Chief Minister, Sri SM Krishna Garu. Our friendship transcended the competitive spirit we shared in attracting investments to our respective states. He was a true leader who always prioritized the welfare of his people. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” says Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Governor of Karnataka Thaawarchand Gehlot expressed his condolences for the death S.M. Krishna.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister and former Union External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna. He served the state and the country with dedication in various capacities — as Union Minister, State Minister, and Governor. His passing is an irreparable loss to the country,” the Governor said.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, in a post on X, said: “Saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister Shri S.M. Krishna. His unparalleled contributions as a Union Minister, Chief Minister, and leader have left an indelible mark. Karnataka will forever remain indebted to him, especially for his visionary leadership in transforming the IT-BT sector during his tenure as Chief Minister. A statesman and a leader without adversaries, Shri Krishna was a guide and mentor to me during my early days in the Congress party and remained a well-wisher throughout. His foresight, disciplined life, and kind nature are an inspiration for aspiring politicians. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers in this moment of grief. May his soul rest in peace.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says S.M. Krishna was a remarkable leader and was admired by people from all walks of life. “He always worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. He is fondly remembered for his tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, particularly for his focus on infrastructural development. Shri SM Krishna Ji was also a prolific reader and thinker. I have had many opportunities to interact with Shri SM Krishna Ji over the years, and I will always cherish those interactions. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
President Droupadi Murmu, in a post on X, says: “Sad to learn about the demise of Shri S. M. Krishna who served people in various capacities during his long career in public life – from a member of the state assembly and of parliament to a union minister and governor. As chief minister of Karnataka, he earned people’s affection for his commitment to development of the state. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers.”
Published – December 10, 2024 09:40 am IST
Live news / Karnataka / death
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