Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady
Updated
Beltangady, Apr 9: A grand procession flanked by thousands of people welcomed Dr D Veerendra Heggade, who returned from New Delhi on Thursday April 9 after receiving the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour from the President of India.
Dr Heggade and his wife Hemavathi were taken in a specially decorated chariot accompanied by music bands and colourful tableaux depicting culture of the land.
Addressing a programme held later at Amritavarshini auditorium in Dharmasthala, Dr Heggade said, "I am fortunate to be the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, and lucky to have such a great family and team. With utmost devotion and a pure heart, I dedicate all the work I have done, as guided by lord Manjunathaswamy, to god."
He further said, "My responsibilities have increased after receiving this award. I will work with even more dedication and determination. From August this year, the rural development project will be implemented in remaining four districts and thereby the entire state will be covered under this project. Much more needs to be done to transform rural areas, and in this direction, self-help groups should also work along with the government. I dedicate all my work, all my success and the fame I have earned to lord Manjunathaswamy, and free my mind and body."
His wife Hemavathi Heggade thanked all the people working at Shree Kshetra Dharmashtala, followers and the public in general for their support.
MLA Vasanth Bangera, Surendra Kumar, Harshendra Kumar, Rajendra Kumar and others were present.
Earlier Report
Mangaluru: Padma Vibhushan Dr Veerendra Heggade accorded warm welcome at airport
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Apr 9: Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala who was conferred the Padma Vibhushan award by President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday April 8 in New Delhi was accorded a warm welcome at Mangalore International Airport here on Thursday April 9.
Addressiing the media at the airport, Dr Heggade said, "I thank the President and the government of India for awarding me the Padma Vibhushan. There is a saying that goes 'janata janardhana', here janardhana is lord Manjunathaswamy. My first duty is to serve lord Manjunathaswamy, and I am doing so as per god's wish.
"Together with serving the lord, it is my duty to do good work for the people. I have taken lord Manjunathaswamy's message very seriously and given 'anna dasoha' to people and strived to fulfill their needs. I have followed the path shown by my ancestors and done all the good work possible," he said.
"My wife and family have supported me in all my work. I thank everyone for their support. My happiness in seeing all the people who have come here to welcome me is the same as I felt when receiving this award. I thank everyone for their love and affection," he added.
Dr Heggade's wife Hemavathi who was also present, said, "This award is in recognition of our rural development project and other service-oriented schemes. Just as poor people's lives prospered through these programmes, our life too has prospered, and this is evident from this award."
Scores of people gathered at the airport to receive Dr Heggade, among whom were Beltangady MLA Vasanth Bangera, former airport director M R Vasudeva, Surendra Kumar Hegde and others.