Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 27: Former Karnataka minister Begane Ramaiah (89) passed away on Thursday due to age-related health issues.

Ramaiah was elected as the MLA from the Sringeri constituency in 1978 and served as the minister for rural development under the then chief minister R Gundu Rao’s government. He was popularly known as "Borewell Ramaiah" for his dedicated efforts in addressing the drinking water problems of the Malnad region.

He is survived by his wife Seetha Ramaiah and children, including Dr Arathi Krishna, vice president of the NRI Forum Karnataka, and son Anjan.

According to Dr Arathi Krishna, public homage was arranged at Aster CMI Hospital on Ballari Road, Bengaluru, from morning till evening on Friday. Following this, the final rites were conducted at Seetha Farm on Mandagadde Road, Hosahalli, Shivamogga district, the family residence.

Speaker U T Khader and Shivamogga district in-charge minister Madhu Bangarappa visited Seetha Farm to offer their condolences to Ramaiah’s wife, daughter Dr Arathi Krishna, and other family members.

Several dignitaries, politicians, and leaders from India and abroad, including Dr Ronald Colaco, founder president of the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA) and NRI entrepreneur, also expressed their condolences and paid tribute.