Dharmasthala Dhramadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade celebrates his 60th birthday today. Born on November 25, 1948, at Bandasale in Bantwal as the eldest son of Rathnaverma Heggade and Rathnamma Heggade, he did his primary education at Bantwal and High School and Collegiate education in Bangalore. On October 24, 1968, at an age of 20 years he became the 21st Dharmadhikari of the most pious pilgrim centre of the region, Dharmasthala Shree Manjunatheshwara temple, according to the traditions.

Installation of the statue of Bhagawan Bahubali and Mahamasthakabhisheka, conducting Maha Nadavali after 51 years on February 2005, conducting mass marriage every year in the month of April, starting RUDSET Institute, bringing about a remarkable socio-economic reformation in the rural area through his brain child, Shree Kshethra Dharmastahla Rural Development Project, Vintage car collection, Manjusha museum, Dharmothana Trust for the restoration of ancient temples, revival of Ayurveda and natural medication through naturopathy centre, anti-addication camps and above all imparting quality education and thereby contributing for shaping a better society are just a glimpse of the contributions of Dr Heggade to the society.

If all these achievements show Dr Heggade’s one face of being a social reformer, there are more to him. He is a voracious reader and is extremely passionate about photography.