S. M. Krishna: a visionary leader who redefined Karnataka's future

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of S.M. Krishna, an extraordinary leader, reformer, and visionary whose transformational contributions have left an indelible mark on Karnataka and India.

- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Krishna was a statesman whose six-decade political career embodied progressive leadership, innovation, and commitment to public service.

I had the privilege of witnessing his visionary leadership firsthand. As part of the Vision Group on Biotechnology, I had the opportunity to work closely with Krishna on pioneering policies that catalyzed Karnataka's emergence as a global leader in biotechnology, setting a precedent for other states to follow.

He was not just a reformer but a trailblazer whose bold ideas and inclusive governance model set new benchmarks.

He was a family man, a devoted husband to his wife Prema and a proud father to his daughters Malavika and Shambhavi. Gregarious by nature, he had a wide circle of friends. Despite his towering stature in public life, he remained deeply connected to his roots, often drawing on his upbringing in Mandya to guide his vision for inclusive growth.

His humility and approachability endeared him to people from all walks of life, making him not just a leader but also a beloved figure among those he engaged with.

Visionary modernizer