N. Vinay Hegde, Chancellor of Nitte (Deemed-to-be-University), passes away in Mangaluru

The Chancellor of Nitte (Deemed-to-be-University) and Managing Director of K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital N. Vinay Hegde passed away in Mangaluru early on January 1, 2026.

He died at his residence ‘Sadanand’ at Shivabagh in Mangaluru at about 2 a.m., sources said.

He was 86 and is survived by his wife Sujatha Hegde , son Vishal Hegde and daughter Ashwita Poonja.

Mr. Hegde was the son of former Supreme Court judge late K.S. Hegde. He was the brother of former Karnataka Lokayukta and former Supreme Court judge N. Santosh Hegde.

He was the founder of Nitte Group of Educational Institutions.

Hegde’s mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at his residence till 3 p.m. on January 1 and at Nitte education campus between 4.30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Hegde’s mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at his residence till 3 p.m. on January 1 and at Nitte education campus between 4.30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
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Special arrangement

In his condolence message P.L. Dharma, Vice-Chancellor, Mangalore University said: “It is end of an era which witnessed a great transformation in the educational sector in undivided Dakshina Kannada. Indeed, he stitched the broken hearts into one to practice co-existence and mutual respect. Entire student community, staff of Mangalore University salute him for his exemplary contribution to the nation and Dakshina Kannada in particular.”