Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (MS)
Beltangady, Oct 25: A simple ceremony was held on Saturday, October 24 to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Dr D Veerendra Heggade's coronation as Dharamdhikari of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala. The event was held at the Mahotsava auditorium.
Announcing several people-friendly schemes on the occasion, Dr Heggade said, "Through the Dharmasthala Gramabhivriddhi scheme 20,000 tabs and 10,000 laptops will be distributed at a cost of Rs 21 crore. Machines will be procured for agriculturists under the Yanthrashree scheme at a cost of Rs 15 crore and encouragement will be given for agriculture on 8,000 acres of land.
"Under the Vatsalya sceme, housing and essentials for living will be provided for destitutes. Already 10,400 families have been identified for this purpose. An amount of Rs two crore will be spent for this purpose.
"Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for the rejuvenation of 150 ponds in the state. Naturopathy treatment hospital is in its final stages of construction at Nelamangala in Bengaluru. Health service will be started there as soon as possible. Extension of Annapoorna Bhojanalaya in Dharmasthala, reservation of pooja services online, extension of commercial complex etc are also planned.
"More than 250 ancient temples have been renovated under the aegis of Dharmothana Trust. In the past year Rs 14 crore is given in aid to construct 1,135 temples. Limited time Yakshagana plays by 30 artistes is organized for a month in Dharmasthala. After the Lakshdweepotsava, the artistes will present Seve Bayalata.
"In Dharmasthala, along with the traditional services that are held from ages, many modern schemes are also implemented. All are recognied as model programmes."
Dr Heggade wished that after Deepavali festival all the issues will be resolved and New India will be built.
Congratulating Dr Heggade, Dr K Chinnappa Gowda, retired chancellor of Janapada university said, "Dr Veerendra Heggade has contributed immensely in various fields due to his spiritual and social powers and walking in the path or righteousness and Dharma. The influence model service works of Dharmasthala can be seen all over the state. Dharmasthala excels humanity by being the center of faith and shelter. Dr Heggade is renowned worldwide due to his smiling face, priceless words and deeds."
Senior workers of Dharmasthala Harinarayana Noorithaya (chief priest), Krishnakumar Shetty (Hannukayi section) and Shankara Shetty (lodging department) were felicitated on the occasion by Dr Heggade.
Hemavati V Heggade, D Surendra Kumar, D Harshendra Kumar and Mohandas Swamiji of Manila were present.
Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji of Udupi Pejawar Math felicitated Dr Veerendra Heggade on the occasion of 53rd anniversary of his coronation. He had arrived all the way from Udupi to Dharmasthala.
Born on November 25, 1948, Dr Heggade was coronated as Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala at the age of 20.