S.M. Krishna is being celebrated as the architect of Bengaluru’s transformation into India’s IT hub following his demise. Business leaders and entrepreneurs across the country are hailing his contributions to modernizing Karnataka, fostering innovation, and creating a thriving technology ecosystem. His tenure as Chief Minister marked a significant era of growth, positioning Bengaluru as a global technology destination.
Business Leaders Laud S.M. Krishna’s Vision
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy described S.M. Krishna as a “visionary gentleman-politician” who spearheaded foundational projects such as the new Bengaluru airport and robust support for the IT industry. Murthy remarked, “His encouragement of IT and other advancements propelled Karnataka to unparalleled heights.”
Former Infosys CEO S.D. Shibulal highlighted Krishna’s leadership in establishing “Brand Bengaluru” as a global name in technology. “During his tenure as Chief Minister, the IT sector grew tremendously, generating millions of jobs and making India an IT superpower,” Shibulal stated. He emphasized that Krishna’s visionary approach continues to impact India’s economy.
S.M. Krishna’s Key Contributions To Bengaluru
Krishna’s tenure introduced innovative policies and initiatives that elevated Bengaluru’s status in the global IT sector. He launched vision groups for information technology (IT) and biotechnology (BT), bringing together business leaders to formulate forward-thinking strategies.
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon, credited Krishna for breaking barriers and implementing modern governance models. “His vision groups and the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF) addressed infrastructure challenges and elevated Bengaluru’s leadership in IT and BT,” she said.
S.M. Krishna’s Role In Creating The Silicon Valley Of India
B.V. Naidu, Chairman of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission and the first Director of STPI Bangalore, described Krishna’s tenure as transformative. “He was a staunch supporter of the tech industry. Under his leadership, initiatives such as IIIT-Bangalore, Bangalore IT.com, and STPI centers in Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi were launched, laying the foundation for the Silicon Valley of India,” Naidu noted.
Krishna’s efforts didn’t stop at policy implementation. His government actively facilitated collaborations between industry leaders and the public sector, ensuring the IT sector had the necessary resources and infrastructure to thrive.
Public-Private Partnerships Under S.M. Krishna
Krishna’s governance model relied heavily on public-private partnerships, which played a crucial role in Bengaluru’s rapid development. He encouraged open dialogue between policymakers and business leaders, fostering trust and collaboration.
Avinash Vashistha, former MD of Accenture India and current Chairman of THOLONS, praised Krishna’s ability to inspire change. “He gave wings to the IT industry and touched countless lives. His leadership continues to resonate in India’s tech success,” Vashistha said.
Building A Legacy Beyond IT
While Krishna’s most celebrated achievements lie in the IT sector, his influence extended beyond technology. As Karnataka’s Chief Minister, he prioritized urban development, infrastructure, and education, ensuring holistic growth.
The Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF) addressed urban challenges, introducing solutions that subsequent governments continued to build upon. His people-centric approach made him a beloved leader across political and ideological divides.
Remembering A Visionary Leader
S.M. Krishna’s legacy endures through the millions of lives he impacted and the global reputation Bengaluru enjoys as a technology hub. Business leaders remember him not only for his policies but also for his humility and approachability.
His ability to inspire confidence in both public and private sectors underscores why he is regarded as one of India’s greatest Chief Ministers. His passing marks the end of an era but leaves behind a thriving ecosystem that continues to drive India’s growth.