Bantwal: Chapter on Dr Veerendra Heggade to Inspire 8th Grade Students

Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (NM)

Bantwal, May 10: This year, the government has conferred special honour on Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala.

The revised syllabus for schools submitted by the government textbook writing committee, in the 8th grade Hindi text book, contains an entire chapter on the inspiring life of Dr Veerendra Heggade.

'Janseva hi janardhana seva hai, paropakaram eedham shareerum -  yah yukthi Dr Veerendra Heggadeji ke liye sou prathishath sathya hai’, thus begins the text book lesson on Dr Heggade.

In the revised edition of the 8th grade syllabus, there are as many as 18 chapters, and this particular chapter, titled 'Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade', appears at the end in pages 82, 83 and 84.

On November 25, 1948 Heggade was born in a well-known Jain family. The chapter explains his primary education in Bantwal, higher education in Bangalore, and then his succession to the post of Dharmadhikari. His fondness for cars and photography is also a part of the lesson.

The service rendered by him in the social, educational, cultural and religious fields are briefly explained in four paragraphs each.

Religious reform

Dr Heggade completed the work of curving and installation of the 39-ft Bahubali statue. In 1997 he initiated huge spiritual awareness convention. Through Shree Dharmashtala Manjunatheshwara trust he renovated more than 200 temples.  In Dharmashtala he established a 'Bhojan Shaale' wherein as many as 5,000 people can have lunch at a time.

Cultural reform

He coordinated the 51st Akhila Bharata Sahitya Sammelana, and in the year 1981 started ‘Manjuvani’ newsparer periodical. Through the organization, he helped thousands of students and teachers with yoga and moral education. With the establishment of ‘Manjusha Museum’ he has preserved ancient relics and exhibited them. He was invited to inaugurate the ‘Akka Sammelana’ that took place in America on Septamber 2, 2006.

Social reform

The text book lesson describes the ceremony of mass marriage going on for 38 years now, which has helped scores of needy people. His selfless support to the poor farmers and women by initiating Integrated Village Welfare Programme is also explained.

Educational reform

The lesson speaks of his service has the president of as many as 20 educational institutions along with the awards and felicitations he has received.

"Young people are the most valuable resources of the country. The progress of the country depends on them," concludes the lesson citing Heggade’s quote.