Text and pics: Rons Bantwal 

Mumbai, April 4: “True wealth resides in the heart, and when the heart is rich, it naturally reflects outward. That is why Dharmapal is both wealthy and wise,” said former Karnataka chief minister and Union Minister Dr. M. Veerappa Moily at the launch of the life-inspired tribute book ‘Dheemanta Dharmapal’.

Speaking to the gathering, Dr Moily added, “If we live with a heart as vast as Dharmapal’s, the richness of the human mind endures eternally. Birth and caste may limit us, but we must never allow them to define our lives. Caste exists only in India, yet it must never obstruct individual growth or the nation’s collective progress. This event proves that community and national development can rise above caste barriers. People like Dharmapal, who witness and participate in such programmes, are truly fortunate.”

The event was part of the centenary celebrations of the Devadiga Sangha Mumbai and was held at the Kavi Kusumagraj Marathi Bhavan auditorium, Kalina campus, Mumbai University, Santacruz East, in collaboration with the university’s Kannada Department.

The tribute book, authored by Suraksha Hemanath Devadiga, honours Dharmapal U Devadiga—former president of Devadiga Sangha Mumbai and a distinguished leader of the Vishva Devadiga Mahamandala —for his lifelong contributions to cultural, social, and community development. The book was formally unveiled by Dr. Moily, who also delivered the keynote address.

The ceremony, presided over by Dr G N Upadhya, head of the Kannada Department, saw Dharmapal and his wife, Sujata Dharmapal, felicitated by dignitaries for their enduring service.

Prominent attendees included Praveen Bhoj Shetty, Tonse Jayakrishna A Shetty, K D Shetty, L V Ameen, Ravi S Devadiga, C A Srinivas P Safalya, Mukteshwar Chandrashekhar R Belchad, and Mohandas.

Dr Upadhya lauded the event as more than a book launch, calling it “a celebration of language, culture, and multilingualism. Kannada embodies inclusivity, and language brings communities together—this event is living proof of that.” He further noted that the programme’s success was due in large part to the active support of Sujata Dharmapal, who has worked alongside her husband in all initiatives.

The tribute captures the achievements of Dharmapal’s life, his dedication to social welfare, cultural preservation, and community upliftment, marking a moment of pride for the Devadiga community and the wider Indian society.