Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Aug 19: Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, was conferred with 'Samaja Maharatna' award during the 'Abhivandana Divas' observed at Gokarna Parthagali Jeevotham Math here to mark the 50th Chaturmasa of Sri Vidyadhirajateertha Swamiji at the Gokarna Math premises at car street in the city on Thursday August 18.
Gokarna Math Swamiji felicitated Dr Veerendra Heggade on this occasion. Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Heggade termed the relationship of Dharmasthala administration with GSB community as very special. He recalled that Renjal Gopalakrishna Shenoy from GSB community was the sculptor of the statue of Bahubali installed at Dharmasthala and that when installing the statue, blessings of the erstwhile Swamiji of Gokarna Math was obtained. "The Guru shows the path to attain God. Guidance from a Guru helps people to imbibe rich refinement in their lives. Life is precious, and one has to do everything within certain limit to conserve life. I appreciate GSB community members for achieving success in all fields allover the world," he remarked.
Union railway minister, Suresh Prabhu, received 'GSB Maharatna' award from the Swamiji. Expressing frustration at the fact that poverty and inequality continue to affect the country even after 70 years of independence, Prabhu said on this occasion that the country can march on the path of progress only when these two ills of the country are done away with, duly expressing the hope that the country will be able to handle these issues under prime minister, Narendra Modi.
The minister expressed his deep-felt gratitude towards the Swamiji for providing him enlightened guidance all through his life. He wished that in the same lines, the Swamiji will also guide the country on the path to progress. He thanked the Swamiji for engaging in penance for the general of community members in spite of failing health.
Minister of state in the central government's Ayush department, Sripad Nayak, felt that external progress of the country is not possible without achieving internal development. He felt that internal bliss can be found by bringing together patriotism and devotion for the Lord. He said that the Swamiji has dedicated his life for the society and opined that it is hard to find a person of Swamiji's eminence and calibre in the country.
Karnataka minister for medium and large industries, R V Deshpande, felt that GSB community has been feeling lack of affective leadership. He felt that the people of this community have remained aloof from state politics. He called upon youngsters from the community to get involved with social service activities.
On the occasion, 'GSB Ratna' award was handed over to minister, R V Deshpande. Dr P Dayananda Pai of Century Group was handed over 'GSB Maharatna' award. 'Samajaratna' award was given to minister, Sripad Nayak. Srinivas Dempo of Dempo Group and Shivanand Salgaonkar of Salgankar Group were presented with 'GSB Udyogaratna' awards.
On this occasion, the Swamiji released special postal envelope and stamp brought out by the postal department with the pictures of the Swamiji. Dayanand Pai of Century Group presented 50 sovereigns of gold to the Swamiji on this occasion.
Chief postmaster, Usha Chandrasekhar, president of Suvarna Chaturmasa Samiti, Shibarur Prabhakar Kamath, and many others were present.