Nitte University, Mangalore

Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself – John Dewey. This adage is perhaps best reflected in what the late Justice K S Hegde, a committed philanthropist and legal luminary strongly believed in – that education is vital for the overall progress of a community…and it is this vision that saw the birth of the Nitte Education Trust. In 1979, seven committed persons, all sharing the same concern to the cause of education and community development, under the leadership and guidance of Justice K S Hegde formed an association. Justice Hegde, conceived the idea of a trust, which would provide basic education, health care and train manpower. Thus, was born the Nitte Education Trust. It was formally baptised on August 30, 1979. Over the last three decades of concerted efforts and dedication, the Nitte Education Trust has come to be recognised as one of the finest educational organisations in the State, attracting students from all over the country and abroad. In recognition of our excellence in education and service to the community, the MHRD conferred the status of Deemed-to-be University vide its notification No. F.9-13/2007-U.3(A), Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, (Department of Higher Education) dated 4th June, 2008. A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, the 25 year old dental college was the first constituent college of Nitte University. The college offers 3 courses, B.D.S, M.D.S and Ph.D. The postgraduate course that is, M.D.S is offered in 8 specialities. Subsequently, in 2009 the UGC vide its notification No. F.26-5/2008(CPP-I), University Grants Commission, dated 24th March, 2009 brought K S Hegde Medical Academy, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy and Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences under the ambit of the Nitte University. With this, the University has 5 institutions all engaged in the areas of education and research in health sciences. Mission "To develop Nitte University as a centre of excellence, imparting quality education, generating competent, skilled and humane manpower to face the scientific, technological, managerial and social challenges in the fast-evolving global scenario, with high degree of credibility, integrity, ethical standards and social concern." In 1954, he represented India at the General Assembly of the United Nations. He then, became a Judge of the Mysore High Court. In 1966, he was appointed the first Chief Justice of the Delhi and Himachal Pradesh High Court. He held this office till he was elevated to the post of Judge of the Supreme Court of India in 1967. A man of integrity and strong values, Justice K S Hegde resigned from the post of Chief Justice in 1973, in protest against the supercession of senior judges in the appointment of the Chief Justice of India. In 1977, he won the election to the Lok Sabha and was elected Speaker of the Lok Sabha, an office he held till 1980. After a distinguished career, he retired from public life and settled at Nitte, only to relentlessly work for the upliftment and empowerment of the rural people. Justice K S Hegde passed away on May 25, 1990. :