The book "Dharmasthala: Mantra of Development" authored by Dr. Nagesh Prabhu offers an insightful exploration into how a temple town in Karnataka, led by Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, has evolved into a symbol of self- reliance and socio-economic development. Through meticulous research, including extensive fieldwork and interviews, Prabhu delves into the journey of poverty alleviation initiatives, transforming into a national model for rural development and economic empowerment.
Central to this narrative are institutions like the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) and the Rural Development and Self- Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI), both spearheaded by Heggade. These organizations have played a pivotal role in empowering rural communities through entrepreneurial training and financial assistance, effectively replacing traditional moneylenders and providing support to self-help groups, students, and the marginalized.
The author also examines the unique religious and cultural synthesis found in Dharmasthala, where Hinduism and Jainism coexist peacefully. Heggade's leadership transcends religious boundaries, embodying principles of secularism, socialism, and welfare outlined in the Indian Constitution.
Describing Heggade as a "karma yogi," Prabhu highlights his unwavering commitment to eradicating poverty and fostering shared prosperity. The book showcases the success of SKDRDP and RUDSETI in achieving high loan recovery rates and promoting holistic development in rural Karnataka.
Furthermore, the book provides insights into Heggade's diverse roles as a spiritual leader, philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and educationist. Despite his significant influence, Heggade maintains a down-to-earth demeanor, earning respect and trust from people across all strata of society.
Beyond documenting developmental initiatives, the book serves as a call to action for other religious institutions to emulate Dharmasthala's model, tailored to local conditions. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Prabhu presents a comprehensive examination of Dharmasthala's transformation from a pilgrimage center to a national exemplar of participatory development.
Ultimately, "Dharmasthala: Mantra of Development" stands as a testament to the transformative power of service and compassion, epitomized by the exemplary leadership of Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade and the enduring legacy of Dharmasthala.
The book, meticulously portrays how Dharmasthala has become synonymous with self-reliance and socio-economic progress, under the visionary leadership of Heggade. Through thorough research, including extensive fieldwork and interviews, Prabhu sheds light on the evolution of poverty alleviation initiatives into a national model for rural development and economic empowerment.
Central to Dharmasthala's success story are institutions like the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) and the Rural Development and Self-Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI), spearheaded by Heggade.
These organizations have played a crucial role in empowering rural communities through entrepreneurial training and financial assistance, effectively replacing traditional moneylenders and providing support to self-help groups, students, and the marginalized.
The book also delves into the unique religious and cultural synthesis present in Dharmasthala, where Hinduism and Jainism coexist harmoniously. Heggade's leadership extends beyond religious boundaries, embodying principles of secularism, socialism, and welfare outlined in the Indian Constitution.
Describing Heggade as a "karma yogi," Prabhu highlights his unwavering commitment to eradicating poverty and fostering shared prosperity. The book showcases the success of SKDRDP and RUDSETI in achieving high loan recovery rates and promoting holistic development in rural Karnataka.
Furthermore, Prabhu provides insights into Heggade's diverse roles as a spiritual leader, philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and educationist. Despite his significant influence, Heggade maintains a down-to-earth demeanour, earning respect and trust from people across all strata of society.
Beyond documenting developmental initiatives, the book serves as a call to action for other religious institutions to emulate Dharmasthala's model, tailored to local conditions. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Prabhu presents a comprehensive examination of Dharmasthala's transformation from a pilgrimage centre to a national exemplar of participatory development.
Ultimately, "Dharmasthala: Mantra of Development" stands as a testament to the transformative power of service and compassion, epitomised by the exemplary leadership of Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade and the enduring legacy of Dharmasthala. (eom)
Disclaimer: The above is a contributor post, the views expressed are those of the contributor and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
