Udupi: Agriculturist-entrepreneur Palli Srinivas Hegde (73) Passes away
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MB)
Udupi, Oct 27: Palli Srinivas Hegde (73), a progressive agriculturist, bus transport operator, Yakshagana patron and philanthropist of Hiriadka near here, passed away of cardiac arrest in Manipal hospital on October 26.
Born of Balkattubeedu Chandrashekhar Hegde and Palli Pajakodange Lakshani Hegde, he made an entry into agriculture and business fields in 1960. He started the first bus service "West Coast" between Udupi and Manipal in 1966 and founded 'Rajaram Motors' in 1969.
Hegde was a far-sighted agriculturist and grew vanilla, rambutan, mangosteen, clove and other exotic plants, besides the traditional betelnut, coconut and pepper in his model 'Khajane' agricultural farm located at Khajane near Shivapura, which has been rated the best farm in the whole state. It is believed to be the largest farm in the country growing fruits of foreign origin.
Hegde held various agriculture-related posts as trustee of vanilla development organization, treasurer of Syndicate Agricultural and Rural Development Foundation and others.
He was also convener of the Saligrama Yakshagana troupe and contributed to several public causes like temple and 'garodi' renovation, school betterment, marriage of girls from poor families and medical treatment of financially needy persons with serious ailments.
Besides many other awards, in 2005, Hegde had received the best agriculturist awards at the hands of former chief election commissioner T N Seshan.
He is survived by two entrepreneur-sons Nataraj and Rajaram Hegde and a daughter.
Final rites:
Hegde's mortal remains will be placed at his residence at Hiriadka for public homage between 10-00 am and 1 pm on Saturday, October 27, and will be cremated later in 'Khajane' farm near Perdoor at 2-30 pm.