His vision has given recognition to Karnataka

Socialist at heart, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna was a man of revolutions in Karnataka. He initiated industrial revolution with the establishment of Peenya industrial area, which remains Asia’s largest industrial cluster. Krishna sowed the seeds of IT & BT sector in Bengaluru with a slew of encouraging policies. And, he initiated social revolution with codification of land records, health insurance scheme Yashaswini and mid-day meals facility in schools.
As a socialist he wanted to ensure greater good of large number of people with dignity. Karnataka will be eternally grateful to its 10the chief minister, who passed away at 92 years on 10the of December. Krishna would have been successful person in the USA but the fate brought him back to his soil.
As a Fulbright Scholar, Krishna was one of the most academically accomplished political leaders and it took him to the seat of American politics.
In 1957-58, he came across an advertisement in a newspaper in the US about an opening in the Association of American Manufacturers. It was a lobbyist job for the association. He had to meet American Senators and members of the Congress to gather information concerning the manufacturing policies at the Capitol Hill. A pleasing personality and an avid reader and listener, 27 year old Krishna made great contacts with them in a few weeks. This where he met another young man, Senator John F Kennedy, his role model till the end. Krishna had campaigned for Kennedy in the Presidential race and a grateful Kennedy had written him a thank-you letter, which still adorns the wall of Krishna’s house in Bengaluru.
Krishna wanted to work full-time for Kennedy and settle down in the USA. Back in India, his father became unwell, and later died. Being the eldest surviving son, Krishna had to take care the large family and stay back.
He did not have to regret his decision as Krishna made it big in Karnataka and Indian politics. He was happy and proud of his achievements.
People remember Krishna as the father of the IT revolution in Karnataka as the chief minister. But Krishna is equally responsible for the industrial revolution in Karnataka in the 1970s. He played a major role in developing Peenya in Bengaluru as Asia’s largest industrial area in the 1970s. Peenya is still one of the largest industrial areas in India.
His chief ministership of 1999 to 2004 is known for the huge investment in the IT industry, making Bengaluru Asia’s Silicon Valley.
He is also responsible for the Kempe Gowda International Airport and Bengaluru Metro. Besides these, Krishna was responsible for the mid-day meal scheme in government-run schools across Karnataka, Yashaswini insurance and Stree Shakti self-help groups.
A book lover, music lover, tennis player and a quintessential gentleman. Krishna weathered personal tragedy and remained a die-hard Kannadiga. With him ends an era of decency in political and public life.