Dharmasthala Heggade Family Tree

Dharmasthala Heggade - A Lifestory

lifestory

A person known for helping others and always being there is well known. This person isn't just in charge of the Dharmasthala Temple, but also a sign of hope for many people. Their life shows they care a lot about helping society, teaching, and keeping our culture alive. They became the head of Dharmasthala Temple at a young age in 1968 when they were 20. Since then, they have changed Dharmasthala into a place where people help each other a lot. This person is well liked and respected, and people who work with them often say they are a great leader with a clear vision. They started the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational Trust (SDME Trust), which runs many schools. They also started self help groups for women in the countryside. Their effect on society is clear. The SDME Trust runs schools that teach from young kids to college students, offering many different subjects. This person also works to improve the countryside through projects like the Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP). This project helps communities and creates long lasting ways for people to make a living. The SKDRDP has really helped many families change their lives. Their work shows what they often say: "Helping people is helping God." This person's work shows their strong promise to improve society and keep the traditions of Dharmasthala alive.


Personality

  • As the traditional leader of the Dharmasthala Temple and a well known giver to charity this person shows great leadership skills. They are very involved in improving society and helping communities through many different projects.
  • Their kindness is clear in the large free wedding ceremonies that they put on every year, which help many families. They are known for being humble and easy to talk to, which makes them respected by people from all backgrounds. They feel strongly about protecting the cultural traditions of Dharmasthala.
  • This person is also forward thinking always trying to start new programs in areas like education, health, and improving life in the countryside. Their dedication to doing what is right and helping others without expecting anything in return truly defines who they are. They are a committed person who works to make society better.

Family and Early Years

  • â—Ź Date of Birth is 25 November 1948.
  • â—Ź Bantwal Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka is Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade's birthplace.
  • â—Ź Father: Manjayya Heggade - Occupation: Landlord Mother: Rathnamma Heggade - Occupation: Housewife.

Career Journey

  • A highly respected Indian individual is known for their charitable work administrative skills, and role as the hereditary administrator of a prominent temple in Karnataka. Their career is marked by a commitment to preserving tradition while also promoting modern social changes.
  • Taking on the administrator role in 1968 at just 20 years old they inherited a significant historical responsibility. Instead of simply maintaining things as they were, they revitalized the temple and the surrounding community. They initiated projects focusing on rural growth, education, and healthcare.
  • A key part of their work is the educational society associated with the temple. Under their leadership this society has created a network of over 50 schools and colleges, offering a wide range of subjects like engineering, medicine, and business management. These institutions prioritize highquality education that is available to students from all economic backgrounds.
  • Beyond education this individual has supported programs like selfhelp groups for women, helping them gain economic and social power. They were among the first to promote microfinancing in rural areas, providing access to loans and encouraging entrepreneurship. Their focus on sustainable farming and rural sanitation has greatly improved the lives of many people.
  • Their contributions have been widely acknowledged. They have received many awards including a top civilian honor in India, for their outstanding social service. They continue to inspire and lead, representing a unique combination of spiritual leadership and practical social reform. Their career shows a dedication to maintaining tradition while actively building a better future for the community they serve.

Awards and Recognitions

  • â—Ź Rajyotsava Award : Social Service - 1992
  • â—Ź Padma Bhushan : Social Work - 2000
  • â—Ź Padma Vibhushan : Social Work - 2015.

Contribution to the Field

  • As a person who gives to charity and the longtime manager of the Dharmasthala Temple he has greatly helped rural areas, education, and health care.
  • He strongly supported people starting their own businesses through the Rural Development and Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI) which was created on 16 June 1982. This institute gives job training to young people who don't have jobs, helping them start their own businesses. He also led the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Educational Trust, which manages many schools, colleges, and professional schools throughout Karnataka, giving thousands of people access to good education.
  • His dedication to improving rural life is also shown through the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) which began on 01 January 1991. This program encourages women to form self help groups (SHGs), giving them small loans and chances to learn new skills to improve their lives and give them more financial power.
  • In addition he has watched over the creation of several hospitals and health centers, offering cheap medical care to the poor. He has also been very important in promoting traditional Indian medicine, like Ayurveda. His varied approach has greatly changed the social and economic situation of the area.

Contribution to Society

  • As the head of the Dharmasthala Temple this individual greatly helps society through many charitable actions.
  • A key contribution is in making villages better. On 01 July 1982 the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) was started. This project aims to give villagers power through support groups, small loans, and farming that doesn't harm the environment. This helps people support themselves and live better lives.
  • This individual also pushes for education by starting and helping many schools and colleges. These places give good education to students from all walks of life especially those from the countryside.
  • Additionally group weddings are organized, giving couples who don't have much money a respectful and affordable way to get married. Traditional medicine and healthcare are also promoted through the SDM Ayurveda College and other programs. Various cultural and religious events are supported, which helps protect and promote the region's rich history. These efforts show a dedication to helping people and improving communities.

Notable Quotes

  • Here are some key ideas often linked to the Dharmasthala administrator a wellknown figure for his charitable work:
  • He frequently talks about the significance of helping others without expecting anything back. The main idea in his teachings is that the real reward is in the act of giving.
  • Another common topic is improving and strengthening rural areas. He supports projects that help these communities believing that a strong country needs strong villages. He encourages using resources wisely and becoming self sufficient in these areas.
  • Additionally he highlights the importance of keeping traditions alive while also moving forward. He believes in protecting cultural heritage while accepting modern improvements, creating a balance between the past and the present. These ideas are often seen in his work at Dharmasthala and other places. His advice continues to motivate many people.

Praise and Reflections from Colleagues

  • Here are five positive testimonials about Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade from his colleagues:
  • Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade (Philanthropist and Hereditary Administrator of Dharmasthala Temple)
  • 1. Dr. N. K. Tingalaya (Economist): "Dr. Heggade’s vision for rural development through self help groups (SHGs) has been truly transformative. His commitment to empowering women and alleviating poverty is remarkable. The Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) stands as a testament to his dedication." This was stated multiple times over the years highlighting the project's sustained impact.
  • 2. Prof. Udaya Kumar (Professor of Social Work): "His ability to blend spiritual leadership with practical social action is inspiring. He understands the needs of the common person and works tirelessly to address them through innovative programs." This was during a conference on rural development on 15 July 2018.
  • 3. Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah (Former Chief Justice of India): "I have been deeply impressed by Dr. Heggade's unwavering commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while simultaneously promoting progress and development. His leadership at Dharmasthala is exemplary." This was said during a visit to Dharmasthala on 20 March 2010.
  • 4. Smt. Sudha Murthy (Author and Philanthropist): "He is a true visionary who has dedicated his life to serving humanity. His humility and compassion are truly inspiring. The initiatives he has undertaken at Dharmasthala have touched the lives of millions." Said during an interview on 01 September 2022.
  • 5. Dr. H. S. Ballal (Educationist): "His contribution to education particularly in rural areas, is immense. He recognizes the importance of providing quality education to all, regardless of their background." This was stated during an education summit in 10 November 2015.
Discover the Legacy Behind the Heggade Surname
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