Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady

Beltangady, Oct 1: A public awareness meet was held at Guruvayankere here on Wednesday September 30 demanding action against those levelling allegations and 'attempting to defame' Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala and Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade.

The Nagarika Seva Trust has been making levelling allegations of land grab against Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala and demanding that it be brought under government control.

Condemning the allegations, Sri Rajashekarananda Swamiji of Gurpur Vajradehi Math said during the public protest, "The government must pay attention to this issue and take action against those trying to crush Dharmasthala.

"When good people keep their pain and feelings buried within themselves, it someday results in the annihilation of bad people. This public meet is a testimony to this fact. This is an answer from good people to the bad ones who are trying to malign the name of Dharmasthala. A volcanic eruption awaits those who have formed an association to sling mud at Dr Heggade. Nothing can be achieved by making scandalous allegations against Dharmasthala or Dr Heggade," he said.

Former MLA of Kundapur Appanna Hegde said, "It is Dr Heggade's patience and tolerance that has united us. I have been connected to three generations of Heggade family of Dharmasthala. The trust that is making false allegations against Dr Heggade had taken bribe from Ballari mine owners during Kudremukh protest and induldged in corruption in the name of saving the environment. Today you will not find anyone who has lighted up the lives of lacs of families and shown them a way to earn their livelihood through rural development project, Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala has done."

Dr Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva's Education Trust said, "Attempts are being made to spread false messages with an intention to hurt our sentiments. We are not made of stone. We too have feelings. We are bound to lose our patience soon. It is impossible for anyone to render the kind of service rendered by Dr Heggade regardless of caste, creed, religion and language."

Keshava Belalu of Nagarika Seva Samiti alleged that the trust that has been levelling allegations against Dr Heggade and Dharmasthala had obtained and misused foreign funds. "The trust has cheated people by giving them false information. The trust has not done even one percent of the work done by Dr Heggade for the poor and needy. Now people levelling allegations have gone into hiding looking at this protest. If they have guts, let them come and join this meet and debate. This is just the beginning. If the administration does not take appropriate action, we will intensify our protest."

Sri Mohandas Paramahamsa Swamiji, Kondevoor Sri Yogananda Swamiji, former member of Yakshagana Academy Ashok Bhat Ujire, Sri Muktananda Swamiji of Karinje Shree Satyanarayana Kshetra, Kaniyoor Sri Mahabala Swamiji and others also spoke on the occasion and vowed to continue the protest till those accusing Dharmasthala of misdeeds also stop doing so. U C Paulose of Sion Ashram, Janajagruti Vedike former president D H Rahiman also spoke. Former MLAs, panchayat members, businessmen, leaders of various organizations were present. People from Puttur, Kundapur, Udupi, Bantwal and others places arrived in rallies and joined the protest.