Sirsi: Co-op movement pioneer Shantaram Hegde Shigehalli passed away at 79, survived by his wife, son, and two daughters in Sirsi. 

Focused on supporting arecanut growers amid private traders' dominance, Hegde established Totagar’s Seva Samiti, serving as its president for 22 years from 1995. 

A recipient of the 'Sahakari Ratna' Award, he held leadership roles in various co-operative organizations and institutions. 

Hegde, who served as Uttara Kannada Congress Committee President for 13 years, later became KPCC Secretary in 2018. 

Recognized with numerous awards, his last rites will be held in his native Shigehalli on February 1, according to family sources.