Mangaluru, April 13: A state-level felicitation programme to honour, Padma Vibhushan recipient Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala, was organized by “D Veerendra Heggade Padma Vibhushan Abhinandana Samiti” on Sunday April 12th at Moodbidri.
On this occasion, Dr Veerendra Heggade couple was felicitated by draping them with shawls, garlanding them, and citations were presented.
Speaking after accepting the felicitation, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, said that there is a need to bring a change in the mindset of the people in order to achieve social transformation. He said nothing is permanent in this world. Religion should be a medium which gives rise to a feeling of liveliness and freshness among its followers.
Heggade said, his achievements, was completely on account of the divine status the seat which he has been occupying, is gifted with, and inspired by the divine. He informed that he plans to introduce some new concepts in rural development project and activities of Dharmothana Trust. He said, he keenly wishes to take up betterment works which will benefit larger sections of society in the forth coming years.
Former Chief Minister of Karantaka, H D Kumaraswamy, said that the projects chalked out by the Dharmadhikari to eliminate poverty are fit to be adopted as role models by the governments.
Former state chief minister, Dr M Veerappa Moily, expressed that people’s trust in Heggade has remained strong because of his unique way of functioning and pure way of life.
Dakshina Kannada MP, Nalin Kumar Kateel, said Dr Heggade had taken up the task of enabling people to lead self reliant lives even before the concept of make in India was implemented. Dakshina Kanada district in-charge minister, B Ramanath Rai appreciated initiatives undertaken by Dr Heggade for social justice and creating widespread awareness against liquor addiction. Former union minister, B Janardana Poojary, opined that Heggade, a universal human being deserves to be honoured with ‘Bharat Ratna’ title for the social service, peace, and non-violence he has been advocating.
Chanceller of Nitte University and president of Dr Heggade Felicitation Committee, N Vinay Hegde, presided over the function.
Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejavar Math, Moodabidri Charukeerthi Bhattarakara Swamiji, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP Shobha Karandlaje, Founder chairman of Alwas College Dr M Mohan Alva, Minister Abhayachandra Jain, former Union minister Janardhan Poojary, Sadhvi Matanandamayee of Odiyoor, Manila Sri Mohandas Swamiji, and other dignitaries were present.
President of SCDCC Bank M N Rajendra Kumar welcomed the gathering.
Entrepreneur, Narayan P M, proposed vote of thanks.
Prior to the programme, the dignitaries were escorted in a procession.
People from across the state had arrived to witness the felicitation programme at Palace Grounds in Vidyagiri, where huge crowd in thousands had gathered at the venue.
