Bengaluru: Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, who passed away here on Tuesday at the age of 92, was a leader who symbolised resilience and vision.
His storied career, spanning over five decades, was defined as much by the challenges he faced as by the transformative contributions he made.
Krishna’s life was a testament to grace under pressure, whether it was navigating crises as Chief Minister of Karnataka or enduring personal tragedies with dignity.
Krishna’s tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004 was marked by some of the state’s most challenging times. A relentless three-year drought tested his administration’s resolve, while the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu escalated into a legal and political quagmire. Adding to this was the dramatic abduction of Kannada film legend Dr Rajkumar by forest brigand Veerappan, which plunged the state into panic.
Through it all, Krishna exhibited remarkable composure and a pragmatic approach to governance. He sought solutions that balanced immediate needs with long-term strategies, ensuring stability during periods of uncertainty.
Krishna’s public life was shadowed by personal grief. The tragic demise of his son-in-law, VG Siddharth, founder of Cafe Coffee Day, who ended his life during a financial crisis, was a devastating blow. Yet, Krishna bore the loss with characteristic fortitude, remaining a pillar of strength for his family and admirers.
Despite these trials, Krishna’s leadership remained steadfast. His ability to confront adversity head-on cemented his reputation as a statesman who could weather any storm.
Krishna’s vision for Bengaluru transformed the city into a global IT and biotechnology powerhouse. His emphasis on public-private partnerships brought international recognition to "Brand Bengaluru," attracting investment and talent from across the globe. His tenure saw Bengaluru emerge as a beacon of innovation, cementing Karnataka’s reputation as India’s technological hub.
While urban development dominated headlines, Krishna’s rural initiatives were equally noteworthy. He championed the Jalasamvardhane project to rejuvenate water bodies, introduced the Yashaswini health insurance scheme for cooperative members, and digitised land records to benefit farmers. These efforts, though overshadowed by Bengaluru’s rise, underscored Krishna’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Beyond politics, Krishna’s life was steeped in culture and personal discipline. His passion for tennis kept him physically active, even during his busiest days, while his love for classical music provided solace in times of tension. A regular at concerts by legends like MS Subbulakshmi and Bhimsen Joshi, Krishna found inspiration in the arts, which enriched his perspective as a leader.
A student of the Ramakrishna Ashrama in his formative years, Krishna imbibed the values of discipline and service that shaped his approach to public life. His meticulous dressing and soft-spoken nature reflected a rare blend of elegance and humility, qualities that endeared him to people across the political spectrum.
Krishna’s career spanned every level of governance, from serving as an MLA and Speaker in Karnataka to representing the state in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. As External Affairs Minister, he brought a global outlook to Indian diplomacy, leveraging his education in the United States, where he was deeply influenced by John F Kennedy’s ideals.
Yet, his transition to the Bharatiya Janata Party in his twilight years signalled his disillusionment with the Congress, where internal politics had sidelined him. Though his active political life concluded, Krishna remained a respected elder statesman, his legacy untainted by controversy.
Krishna’s life was a masterclass in resilience, vision, and integrity. He confronted every challenge, whether political or personal, with grace, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Karnataka, and indeed the nation, owes much to this stalwart who dared to dream big and worked tirelessly to realise those dreams.
As the state bids farewell to one of its tallest leaders, it also celebrates a life dedicated to progress, compassion, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. Krishna was more than a politician; he was a visionary who redefined what it means to lead with courage and purpose.
