Rons Bantwal

Udupi, Apr 21: Stressing the need for unity within the community, Vishwa Devadiga Mahamandala president Dharmapal U Devadiga said that only when internal solidarity is strengthened can the community achieve progress in educational, social, and economic fields. He noted that when an organisation grows in strength rather than merely showcasing its presence, it becomes a powerful tool to attract government attention and secure rightful benefits and facilities for the community. He added that the upliftment of society becomes easier only when the community itself is strong, and with this objective, the Devadiga Mahadhiveshan is being organised.

He was speaking while presiding over the preparatory meeting held on Sunday, April 19, at Chitpady in Udupi in connection with the Devadiga Mahadhiveshan scheduled to be held on December 20, 2026, at Sri Ekanatheshwari Sabhabhavan of the Devadiga Sangha in Udupi. Dharmapal Devadiga elaborated on the main objectives of the convention and responded to discussions in detail.

Honorary general secretary of the Mahamandala, Hiriyadka Mohandas, presented the proposal and said that efforts would be made to invite the chief minister of Karnataka, ministers, and public representatives to the convention and bring the community’s concerns to the attention of the government.

Senior member K Annayya Sherigar expressed his views on key issues to be presented at the convention and stressed the need to strongly reiterate the demand for a Devadiga Development Corporation.

Dr Praveen Kumar Devadiga, a professor at MAHE Manipal, said that respected and accomplished individuals from the Devadiga community across various fields should be identified and invited to the convention.

Udupi Devadiga Seva Sangha president Ratnakar G S stated that the organisation would make all efforts for the success of the convention and informed that two grounds at Chitpady in Udupi have already been reserved.

Aluru Raghuram Devadiga, member of the administrative committee of Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple and a political leader, highlighted the need for a Devadiga commemorative souvenir and assured full arrangements to host the next meeting in Byndoor.

Several others including Nadashree Credit Cooperative Society president Sridhar Devadiga (Udupi), politician Vijay Kodavoor, advocate Ravindra Moily (Karkala), Shankar Ankadhakatte (Koteshwar), Srinivasa Devadiga (Bengaluru), founder trustee of Ekanatheshwari Temple Trust Janardana Devadiga (Barkur), managing committee working president Janardhana Padu Panambur, Mulki Devadiga Sangha president Sanjeeva Devadiga (Mulki), senior member Balachandra Devadiga (Mangaluru), former secretary of Udupi Devadiga Sangha Sudarshan Sherigar and Harish Sherigar (Udupi), Moodbidri Devadiga Sangha president Purandara Devadiga (Moodbidri), executive committee member Umavathi Gujaran (Mumbai), honorary president of Devadiga Navodaya Sangha Bengaluru Hari T Devadiga, Karnataka State Devadiga Sangha Mangaluru president Ashok Moily, and Udupi Devadiga Seva Sangha secretary Karthik Devadiga shared their views on the convention.

Representatives from Mumbai, Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Udupi, Moodbidri, Pavanje Haleangadi, Suratkal, Kundapur, Barkur, Koteshwar, Hiriyadka, Ellur, Udyavara, Katapady and other organisations, along with senior members of the community, were present and assured full support for the convention.

Hiriyadka Mohandas welcomed the gathering and conducted the proceedings, while Yadava Devadiga (Haleangadi) proposed the vote of thanks.