Dr. Arathi Krishna: A Beacon of Service Sworn in as Karnataka MLC
Dr. Arathi Krishna (fondly called as “Arathi Madam”) took her oath today as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, an honour that recognizes decades of dedicated public service, humanitarian efforts, and her deep connection with Kannadigas both in India and across the globe. Beyond being an eminent voice for non-resident Indians, her elevation to the Upper House is celebrated as an affirmation of her integrity, secular values and unwavering commitment to social welfare.
👉Legacy and Early Life
Dr. Arathi Krishna originally hails from Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district, born in Udupi, Karnataka. Her father, Shri Begane Ramaiah, was a respected lawyer, former MLA of Shringeri, and served as Rural Development Minister in the Karnataka Government. His life and public service deeply influenced Dr. Arathi Krishna’s values, including the importance of legal fairness, grassroots connect and secular values and governance. Her mother is Seetha B. Ramaiah.
Academic credentials include a master’s degree in Political Science from Mysore University, another master’s in International Commerce & Public Policy (Washington, USA), and an honorary doctorate from Kuvempu University. She possesses a sound academic excellence.
👉Public, Political & Social Contributions
Over more than three decades, Dr. Arathi Krishna has built a multifaceted portfolio of service in the fields of politics, social welfare, education, culture, health, and international outreach.
👉Political & Legislative Service
She has been Deputy Chairperson of the Karnataka NRI Forum, a governmental body created to address the concerns, rights, and welfare of Kannadigas living abroad.
Just recently, she was nominated to the Karnataka Legislative Council under the category of special knowledge/practical experience in social service. Her nomination was approved by the Governor and she was officially sworn in as MLC today (11/09/2025) at a glittering function held in Bengaluru Banquet Hall in the presence of dignitaries including CM, DCM, Home Minister & other senior ministers & MLAs, MLCs & her families & vast band of well-wishers including Kannadiga NRIs from various parts of the world.
👉Humanitarian & NRI Outreach
During crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, she stepped forward to help NRIs stranded abroad. She successfully coordinated with embassies and authorities to allow chartered flights, permissions, and evacuation of many Kannadigas and other Indians, under difficult international travel restrictions. She had been in contact with various social organizations & social workers abroad.
👉Educational & Social Welfare
Dr. Arathi started the “Krishna Foundation” in Sringeri region, which provides scholarships and support for poor children in remote villages. Her efforts for improved educational facilities and enabling access to learning have had visible impact.
She also endeavor for the development & upliftment of rural communities, women, & establishment of girls hostels in village areas.
👉Labour Rights & Blue-Collar Welfare
She has been vocal and active on behalf of labourers and blue-collar workers, including pushing for insurance coverages, better social security welfare, especially for workers exposed to vulnerabilities both locally in Karnataka and for Kannadigas abroad.
In fact, she always appears as as a real time “friend-in-need” when it comes to the matters relating to the people at home & abroad.
👉Cultural & Secular Leadership
Known for her secular and inclusive outlook and approach, Dr. Arathi Krishna has sought to bridge various communities and society into a harmonious platform.
Her work often focuses on inclusive development and ensuring downtrodden, vulnerable and weaker sections’ voices are heard and respected, whether through forums, relief efforts or policy advocacy.
👉Recognition & Awards
She has been honoured with multiple recognitions, to list few are: the Rajyotsava Award, honorary doctorate from Kuvempu University, awards like Sahyadri Sangha Honour, Mahatma Gandhi Sammana (Bangkok), Dubai Kannada Kayaka Ratna, and international community awards including from the U.S. state of Maryland.
She is also popularly referred to by many as “Malnaada Indira” (Indira of Malnad) for her leadership and the empathy she extends both at home and abroad.
The Significance of Her Swearing-In & What Lies Ahead
Her assumption of the role of MLC in the Upper House (Karnataka Legislative Council) is more than a ceremonial elevation. It places her in a position to influence legislation, represent the concerns of NRIs more directly in policymaking, and champion issues of social justice, education, health care, and secular values at the state level.
With her track record, many observers see in her the potential to take on ministerial responsibilities if there is a future cabinet reshuffle.
For spheres such as education, health care for remote areas, welfare for migrant workers, and policies affecting the diaspora, her presence could lead to stronger legislative oversight, better funding and more efficient implementation.
Final Thoughts
In a political landscape often fraught with polarization, Dr. Arathi Krishna stands out as a figure whose strength is in her steady, inclusive service. Her roots-both inherited and built-give her credibility.
Although active & passive political differences and ideologies often create distances among people, she remains personally admired by all, transcending barriers-a quality that continues to keep her stature high.
Her connections with people everywhere, from villages of Karnataka to the cities overseas, give her reach. Her elevation today underscores not just what she has done, but what she can still accomplish.
As she embarks on this new chapter, many hope that her journey inspires more women, vulnerables, and non-resident communities in Karnataka to engage in public life with confidence.
May her tenure in the Legislative Council deepen her impact and pave the way for even higher service, possibly even a ministerial role, for her talents and ideals deserve nothing less.
