SM Krishna, who shaped Bengaluru as India’s Silicon Valley, dies: From Karnataka CM to MEA, a grand political journey

SM Krishna dies: One of the most prominent politicians in the state and the former chief minister of Karnataka, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, passed away in Bengaluru early on Tuesday, 10 December. 

Krishna had been suffering from prolonged illness and was hospitalized earlier in August."SM Krishna is no more. He breathed his last at 2:45 am at his residence. Mortal remains are likely to be taken to Maddur today," PTI reported quoting sources.

Tributes poured in for the former Maharashtra Governor, who breathed his last at 2.45 am on December 10.

The Karnataka government announced a 3-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the veteran leader. His last rites will be performed with full state honours at his native in Mandya district on Wednesday.

An official notification said the state mourning is from December 10 to 12.

His 92-year-old record of public service and statesmanship saw him reach unprecedented political heights. SM Krishna is credited with turning Bengaluru into India's Silicon Valley. His leadership and public service legacy have left an indelible mark.

SM Krishna dies: A journey from Karnataka CM to MEA

• From October 1999 to May 2004, Krishna served as Karnataka's 16th chief minister. Between 2009 to 2012, he was the External Affairs Minister and Maharashtra Governor during the the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance dispensation's reign.
• In 2017, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
• In 2023, SM Krishna received the Padma Vibhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi for his contribution to the field of Public Affairs.
• Krishna pursued his education in the United States, earning degrees from George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC, where he was a Fulbright Scholar, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
• A graduate from Maharaja’s College, Mysore, he obtained a law degree from the Government Law College, Bangalore.
• He worked as a Professor of International Law in Renukacharya Law College, Bangalore.
• He was elected to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in 1962. He made his debut in Parliament in 1968 and became a Member of the fourth Lok Sabha.
   
•  Krishna was a Member of the Indian delegation to the United Nations in 1982 and, as a delegate, attended the Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar at Westminster, UK in 1990.
• He was a Member of the Indian delegation to the United Nations in 1982 and, as a delegate, attended the Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar at Westminster, UK in 1990.