Belthangady: “Dharmasthala is a role model for other religious places, as it functions as per the religious feelings of the devotees along with social concern,” said Muzarai Minister Rudrappa Lamani.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 49th anniversary of Pattabhisheka of Dr D Veerendra Heggade at Dharmasthala on Monday.

“Dr D Veerendra Heggade is a proud son of Bharat Matha. He has enlightened the village level people through developmental works and still he is spreading awareness regarding the anti social elements. He is the reason behind empowerment of thousands of women through the self help groups,” he said.

He further said that Belthangady MLA Vasanth Bangera should have been the minister in state cabinet, but fortunately and unexpectedly he got that chance.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Veerendra Heggade said that a healthy society can be created through the protection of religious faith.

“If we understood our responsibilities then the society will move in a right path. People in America also work with a faith in god. Ramarajya is nothing but living with harmony, discipline and unity,” he said.

Further he said “beliefs are good but no blind beliefs. We are trying to spread awareness about this through SKDRDP programmes. Nearly 35 lakh people are engaged with us. 20 lakh people has been trained through RUDSET programme. Rs 10 crore has been donated for the renovation of temples. Even the Muzarai department should help us to keep the place clean, if the place is not clean then there will not be utter devotion in devotees.”

SDM Educational Institution Secretary Dr B Yashovarma, Hemavathi V Heggade, Harshendra Kumar, D Surendra Kumar and others were present.