Beltangady: State-level Exhibition Opens at Dharmasthala Lakshadeepotsava

Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Nov 21: "The need to seek the Lord’s guidance is perennial in one’s life, beginning right from his birth, till his last breath. Let us become worthy citizens of the country by praying to Him and seeking His guidance, both directly and indirectly. This will pave way for the formation of a noble society," said Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner Dr N S Channappa Gowda.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 34th state-level exhibition which went under way at Dharmasthala on Sunday November 20, on the first day of the annual Lakshadeepotsava there. The exhibition has 173 stalls in total.

He hailed the social service initiatives undertaken by the groups of institutions run under Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, hailing the educational services being rendered by institutions managed by temples and prayer centres, at a time when education is getting more and more commercialized. Gowda also appreciated the efforts being made by Dharmasthala for enabling poor women to become self reliant through ‘Siri’ self employment scheme. He said the government had brought land reforms in the past into force, to address concerns about dwindling food production in the country, and wanted people to give importance to augmenting food crops as a need for the same is increasingly felt now.

On this occasion, new products brought out through Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Siri Village Industries Society like ‘Siri Cornflakes’, ‘Siri Vatsalya’, a tonic for mothers, and ‘Siri Atta’ made from a mixture of grains, were released by Hemavati V Heggade.

Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, who presided over the function, noted that cottage industries, small scale industries, and rural artisans are facing extinction due to modernization and huge commercial malls that are coming up. He said rural products are facing stiff competition in maintenance of quality because of modern products which come in from foreign markets. He, at the same time, noted that farmers have now got a good opportunity to produce and market quality products.

Vice-president of SDM group of educational institutions, Dr S Prabhakar, secretary, Dr B Yashovarma, and several others were present. SDM College lecturer, Dr B A Kumar Hegde, compered the programme. Panduranga Baliga welcomed. Director of RUDSET, M K S Prabhu, proposed vote of thanks.