Fear of God makes one to imbibe ethics - Kadri Gopalnath

Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Oct 25: "The feeling of reverence and fear about God leads one on the path of life guided by moral values and ethics. I have been an ardent devotee of Lord Manjunatha since a young age, and before practicing any Raaga, I keep meditating on the Lord. This practice has helped me to scale new heights in the field of art," said internationally acclaimed saxophone player, Kalaimamani Kadri Gopalnath.

He was speaking at Mahotsava auditorium, Dharmasthala, on Saturday October 24 at a simple ceremony organized on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade's coronation as Dharmadhikari.

Mangalore University vice chancellor, Prof K Bhyrappa, who was the chief guest of the function, noted that Dr Heggade has been instrumental in developing Dharmasthala-based institutions into a globally identified force. He said that Dr Heggade has left a lasting imprint in every field through his noteworthy achievements.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Veerendra Heggade, who presided over the function, explained that he has always deemed the growth of Dharmasthala-based institutions as service to Lord Manjunatha. He expressed the belief that the tasks he takes up get fulfilled because of the unstinted support he gets from angels guarding Dharmasthala and Annappa Swami. "People who are good-natured and gentle, have reverence towards God, whereas wicked people nurse a fear of God. In spite of giant scientific strides made by the world, devotion and belief towards God will not diminish. Because, blessings of God are necessary to reach to the roots and find out eternal truth," he stressed.

Dr Heggade informed that a super specialty block has been added to Dharmstahala Manjunatheshwara Hospital at Dharwad, where about 500 child births happen every month, and 1,000 surgeries have been conducted during the last six months. He stated that an agreement has been entered into with a Korean institution to begin knee surgeries by using nano technology, duly pointing out that a new Ayurveda college has been started at Bengaluru. "We have given Rs 14 crore as donations for the renovation of 2,000 temples in one year. Under Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project, 34 lac people have been enrolled as members, who have together saved Rs 1,400 crore. If the farmers become conscious and united, they will not think of suicide. In addition to individual transformation, mass transformation is the need of the hour," he felt.

State youth services and sports minister, Abhay Chandra Jain, Hemavathi V Heggade, D Surendra Kumar, D Harshendra Kumar, and vice president of SDM Education Society, Prof S Prabhakar, were among those present at the function.

Dr Heggade honoured Kadri Gopalnath on the occasion. Kadri Gopalnath couple felicitated Dr Heggade couple. Dr Heggade also honoured people who have served the institutions at Dharmasthala in different capacities.

Secretary of SDM Education Society, Dr B Yashovarma, welcomed. Lecturer, Dr B M Sampat Kumar, presented the programme. Abraham proposed vote of thanks.