Dr. Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade

Dr Veerendra Heggade has transformed small towns into modern educational centres, redefined temples as places of service, and revived ancient sciences to improve modern life. His impactful work earned him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan Award in 2015.

He is a multifaceted leader who has made significant contributions to various spheres of society. He established the Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project Trust, a prominent NGO that spearheads the Self-Help Group (SHG) movement, boasting management of over 625,000 groups and encompassing 52 lakh members. Through initiatives like the Dharmothana Trust, he breathes new life into old traditions, driven by a passion for redefining Dharma and uplifting humanity.

Taking on the role of Dharmadhikari at just 20, he embarked on a mission to modernize Dharmasthala, following the vision of his father. He was born to D. Rathnavarma Heggade and Rathnamma in Bantwal on 25th November 1948.

Beyond traditional duties, he has initiated numerous socio-economic programs addressing issues like illiteracy, poverty, and healthcare.

His efforts extend to cultural preservation, notably reviving Yakshagana and upholding the traditional essence of Tuluva culture and heritage. Through the SDM Education Society, he has set up 52 esteemed academic and professional institutions across Karnataka.

His dedication to preserving knowledge is evident through the scientific preservation of over 5,000 palm-leaf manuscripts under the Sri Manjunatheshwara Samskrithi Samshodhana Prathistana.
In 1982, he established Rural Development and Self Employment Training Institutes (RUDSETI), which has since been replicated through 590 Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) nationwide, empowering rural youth with skills for self-employment. Thanks to his initiatives, over 40 lakh youths have received training, leading to the establishment of numerous successful start-ups.

In 2022, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament. He serves as a member of the Committee on Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme.