Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)
Beltangady, May 2: At the 48th annual mass marriage programme held at Dharmasthala in the taluk on Wednesday May 1, as many as 102 couples entered wedded life. Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, who presided over the programme, expressed happiness at the fact that drawing inspiration from the mass marriages being held here, such programmes are being held all over the state now on a large scale.
"The society has become stronger now. People have drawn benefits from our rural development project, and through the savings they could accumulate, have been becoming financially stronger in addition to meeting their needs. This is reflected in the dwindling number of couples coming forward to get married in mass marriage programmes. This is a development that brings cheers to us. Couples which got married here in the past 47 years have been leading a mutually satisfying life. With the best wishes of thousands of people and blessings of Gurus and elders, the relationships between the bride and groom get strengthened over the years," he felt.
State minister for health and family welfare, Shivanand Patil, said that the mass marriage programmes being organized by Dharmasthala establishment every year as per the basic tenets of the religion on the basis of religion and without unnecessary expenses, upholds high and noble values in the society. Therefore, the mass marriage programmes at Dharmasthala have become a role model for other such programmes, he stressed.
Patil said that glimpses of past glory can be witnessed in Dharmasthala and this will continue henceforth. He said that Dr Heggade has been serving the cause of religion by organizing programmes which do not give importance to religious allegiance.
Sandalwood actor, Shiva Rajkumar, told the newlyweds that they are lucky to marry in the presence of Lord Manjunatha Swamy and Dr Heggade. He recollected that his father, Dr Rajkumar, had taken part in the 25th mass marriage programme here. He said he feels blessed to be participating in this programme. He also sang two popular songs sung by his late father.
Beltangady MLA, Harish Poonja, and cine producer, Chenne Gowda, hailed the style of functioning of Dr Heggade.
The marriages were solemnized on Wednesday evening to the chanting of Vedic hymns by the religious scholars. The newlyweds were administered oath. Dharmadhikari Dr Heggade, Hemavathi Heggade, minister, Shivanand Patil, actor, Shiva Rajkumar, Geetha Shiva Rajkumar and others handed over the sacred 'Mangalya' to the couples and blessed them.