| Jagannathrao Hegde, who took over from Kiran Shantaram as the new sheriff of Mumbai yesterday, has been known as a hard-working social activist in south central Mumbai. Reportedly close to Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Hegde has been working for the past two decades in areas like Parel and Kalachowkie.
Hegde’s political career started in 1985 when he contested the Assembly polls from Parel after being picked by then chief minister Vasantdada Patil. He lost to Sharad Khatu of Kamgar Aghadi by a margin of 1,000 votes. Hegde did not contest any elections after that.
Besides his dabbling in politics, Hegde has earned a name as a dental surgeon. He has been practising dental surgery for the past 35 years and was director of the Terna Medical College and the DY Patil Dental College.
Hegde has also been elected twice to the executive council of the Mumbai University.
Hegde said his main aim after becoming sheriff would be to ensure that Mumbaikars lead stress-free lives. “I want people to be free from stress, which can be done through yoga and meditation. If people are not under stress, their life expectancy will increase,” he said.
The new sheriff also claimed he would hold medical camps in different areas for poor people. “We will be roping in the municipality as well as government hospitals for the programme. I believe social organisations can also contribute significantly to the effort,” Hegde added. | 
