NEW DELHI: Former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92, considered ex-US President John F Kennedy as his ‘political guru’.
In 1960, as Democratic leader JFK campaigned for the presidency, a 28-year-old law student Krishna, then studying in the US, wrote to Kennedy offering to campaign on his behalf in Indian American communities.
The following year, when Kennedy was elected President, he remembered the support of the young Indian student.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee shared the thanks note from Kennedy which said: “I hope that these few lines will convey my warm appreciation for your efforts during the campaign. I am most grateful for the splendid enthusiasm of my associates. I am only sorry I have not been able to personally thank you for the excellent work which you performed in behalf of the Democratic ticket.”
“Without your unrelenting efforts and loyalty, victory would not have been possible last November 8th,” it said.
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The Karnataka government has declared a three-day state mourning in honor of SM Krishna. A holiday has been announced for Wednesday, and flags at key government offices will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. During this period, no government functions or entertainment programs will take place.