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Mangaluru, Jan 1: N. Vinay Hegde, Chancellor of NITTE (Deemed-to-be University) and Managing Director of K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, passed away in Mangaluru in the early hours of Wednesday, January 1, 2026. He was 86.

According to sources, Mr. Hegde breathed his last at around 2 a.m. at his residence, ‘Sadanand’, located at Shivabagh in the city.

A towering figure in the field of education and philanthropy, Mr. Hegde was the founder of the Nitte Group of Educational Institutions, which grew under his leadership into a major centre for higher education, particularly in medical, dental, engineering, and allied sciences. His vision played a key role in transforming the educational landscape of coastal Karnataka and beyond.

Born into a distinguished family, Mr. Hegde was the son of former Supreme Court judge Justice K.S. Hegde. He was also the brother of former Karnataka Lokayukta and former Supreme Court judge Justice N. Santosh Hegde.

He is survived by his wife Sujatha Hegde, son Vishal Hegde, and daughter Ashwita Poonja.

The mortal remains of Mr. Hegde will be kept for public viewing at his residence until 3 p.m. on January 1. Thereafter, they will be taken to the Nitte education campus, where the public can pay their last respects between 4.30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Condolences poured in from across academic and public circles. In a condolence message, P.L. Dharma, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University, said Mr. Hegde’s passing marked the end of an era in the region’s educational history.

“It is the end of an era which witnessed a great transformation in the educational sector in undivided Dakshina Kannada. Indeed, he stitched broken hearts into one to practise coexistence and mutual respect. The entire student community and staff of Mangalore University salute him for his exemplary contribution to the nation and Dakshina Kannada in particular,” the message read.

Mr. Hegde’s legacy as an institution builder, educationist, and humanitarian is expected to endure through the vast network of institutions he established and nurtured.

As part of her European tour, Karnataka Legislative Council Member and Vice Chairperson of the Karnataka NRI Forum, Dr. Arathi Krishna, met Michela Favaro, Deputy Mayor of Turin, to discuss key aspects of strengthening relations between Karnataka and Italy.

Dr. Arathi Krishna held the meeting along with Hemegowda, President of the Italy Kannada Association, and Mohamed Irshath, General Secretary for Europe of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC).

The discussions focused on opportunities for the recruitment of Indian healthcare professionals in Italy, European–Italian language training programmes for Indian students, and broader avenues for academic and professional collaboration between the two countries.

The meeting was also attended by Simone Fissolo, President of the Moderati Council, along with Maria Bottoglieri and Francesco Tortorella, highlighting the growing institutional engagement aimed at fostering deeper bilateral cooperation.

Mangaluru: As many as 22 affiliated private degree colleges under Mangalore University (MU) will be shut down voluntarily after they failed to seek renewal of affiliation, primarily due to poor student enrolment and operational constraints. The decision was taken at a recent Academic Council meeting of the university.

The 22 colleges are:

Aaba Women’s First Grade College, Surathkal

Anjuman First Grade College, Mangaluru

Amrutha College, Padil

Silicon College of Advance Studies, Konchady

Moegling Institute of German Language, Balmatta

Sarsa College of Arts and Science, Mangaluru

Rosario College of Management Studies, Bolar

Karavali College of Education, Mangaluru

Premakanthi College of Education, Mangaluru

Sapientia Bethany First Grade College, Nelyadi

Sri Sharada Women’s College, Sullia

Ramakunjeshwara College, Ramakunja

Hazaratha Sayad Madani Banatha Women’s College, Ullal

St. Sebastian College of Commerce, Ullal

St. Thomas College, Belthangady

Mar Ivanios College, Kadaba

Madhava Pai College, Manipal

Mookambika First Grade College, Byndoor

Varasiddhi Vinayaka First Grade College, Kundapur

B.D. Shetty College of Business Management, Udupi

Vidyanikethana First Grade College, Kaup

Krishnabai Vasudeva Shenoy Memorial College, Katpady

Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.L. Dharma said principals of the affected colleges informed the university that they were compelled to suspend admissions for several courses after failing to secure the prescribed minimum number of students. Consequently, the managements opted for voluntary closure under Section 65 of the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000.

Apart from low enrolment, other administrative and financial factors also contributed to the decision to shut down the colleges, the Vice-Chancellor said. He clarified that the closures will not affect students who are already enrolled and currently pursuing their studies. The colleges have been directed to continue providing all student-related services, including verification of marks cards and academic records.

After the closure of these 22 colleges, the total number of colleges affiliated to Mangalore University will stand at 167, comprising 109 private colleges, 32 government colleges, nine autonomous colleges, 13 BEd colleges, and four constituent colleges.