Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, May 2: "Lord Manjunatha, presiding deity of Dharmasthala temple and Basavanna, philosopher and social reformer who upheld the dignity of labour, were the inspiration behind the rural development project and Rural Development and Self Employment Training Institute (RUDSET) that were started under the aegis of Dharmasthala temple," said Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade.

He was speaking after accepting the 'Basavasri' award conferred on him by Basava Vedike here at its 'Basava Jayanti' programme organized on Friday May 1.

"Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) that was started to enable the rural people to achieve self-reliance while continuing with agricultural activities has touched 7.5 lac people in nine districts. The RUDSET which aims at providing vocational training to unemployed people of all castes, religions and languages, has become a model institute in the entire country. I could involve in these things because of the inspiration provided by Basavanna’s life and preachings," Heggade added.

"It is often said that everything in this life is transient. Likewise, poverty is transient too. Through SKDRDP, people have been taught to live in a way that is acceptable and supportive to each other. This could bring social reformation.  Basavanna's Vachanas are soaked in devotion to Lord Shiva. Likewise, every devotee who visits Dharmasthala is treated as a devotee of Lord Shiva. The temple has been continuing with its services of providing food to all and clothes to the needy. "Perhaps I have been chosen for Basavasri award as I rendered these services with a pure conscience," Heggade added.

Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji who conferred the award, advised the people to cultivate the habit of introspection, which will reduce problems that are found in the society, by a large extent.