Sir,

March 9, 2024, marked a sombre day for us Mysureans upon learning of the passing away of Vasu, former MLA of Chamaraja Constituency and Founder-Chairman of Vidya Vikas Educational Trust (VVET).

It was difficult to comprehend that a health-conscious individual, who favoured walking over vehicular transport and was known for his fitness regimen, met such a fate. I recall seeing him one early morning at 4.30 am, standing on the free Railway platform in Mysuru as an MLA, engaging in his routine morning walk, while I boarded the Shiridi Express to Bengaluru.

In 2018, when I decided to relocate to Mysuru, I directly approached him for a position in his institution. On being selected as Director of Academics at Vidya Vikas Institute of Management Studies, I had the privilege of visiting his residence. I had long admired him since his tenure as the Mayor of Mysuru.

A man of few words, soft-spoken, kind, gentle and unassuming, he posed just a few questions during our meeting. He inquired whether I had received a thorough briefing on my job profile from the Secretary, my commitment to serving the institution, and whether the distance from my residence would deter me from fulfilling my duties.

Throughout my three years of service under him, I deeply respected his integrity in managing the institution, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many educational institutions resorted to salary cuts amidst financial strain, he steadfastly refused to reduce his staff’s salaries, ensuring they were paid in full and on time. His love and concern for his employees were truly admirable.

During the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the institution, he exhibited a fatherly concern. Despite a significant delay in the arrival of the chief guest, the then CM H.D. Kumaraswamy, Vasu graciously addressed the audience, captivating them with his journey in establishing the institution, from his humble beginnings as an auto driver to his remarkable achievements.

 Vasu’s dedication to uplifting the less privileged and his unwavering support for MSMEs in Mysuru was exemplary. His illness came as a shock to many. As Marcus Tullius Cicero aptly said, “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.” 

We hope and pray that Vasu’s memory becomes a cherished legacy for those who continue his work in the institutions he helped build. May he find eternal peace, finally free from pain.

– Dr. Michael Noronha, Roopanagar, 10.3.2024

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