Bengaluru, Aug. 29 -- Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday paid tribute to former Karnataka Chief Minister and statesman Ramakrishna Hegde on his birth centenary at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru, describing him as a "great statesman, nationalist and creator of leaders."

According to an official release, the Vice President said Karnataka emerged as a role model for governance under Hegde's leadership and highlighted his emphasis on decentralisation, accountability and citizen participation.

Recalling Hegde's contribution to grassroots governance, Radhakrishnan referred to the Karnataka Zilla Parishads, Taluk Panchayat Samitis, Mandal Panchayats and Nyaya Panchayats Act, 1985, which sought to bring governance closer to the people.

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