Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Oct 18: Unity, collective effort and greater numerical strength are vital for the Hegde community to secure development opportunities and preserve its identity, Mangaluru-based entrepreneur Balakrishna Hegde Mulki said at the 66th anniversary celebrations of Hegde Seva Sangha, Mumbai, held at Airoli in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Pointing out that the community's relatively small population posed challenges in accessing government facilities and opportunities, he urged members to strengthen their bonds, work together for collective progress and develop a deeper understanding of their origins, history and traditions. He emphasised that community development was a shared responsibility requiring the participation of people across all age groups, not just the younger generation.

Balakrishna Hegde was speaking after lighting the ceremonial lamp and presenting annual awards at the programme held at the Aitamajalu Srimathi Jayanti Vittal Hegde Memorial Auditorium in Hegde Bhavan, Airoli.

The celebration was presided over by Hegde Seva Sangha president Manoj Hegde. Dr Manoranajan Hegde, retired health officer of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), was the chief guest. Advocate Sandeep Hegde, former secretary of Hegde Seva Sangha, Bengaluru, and Umesh Hegde, executive committee member of Dakshina Kannada District Hegde Seva Sangha, were the guests of honour.

The dignitaries on the dais included working president Anand Hegde, vice-president Arun Hegde, honorary secretary Surendranath Hegde, honorary treasurer CA Suresh Hegde, joint secretary Rupesh Kumar Hegde, joint treasurer Harish Hegde, women's wing president Chhaya Hegde and youth wing president Sunil Hegde.

A small hall in Hegde Bhavan was named the Late Sri Narayan T Hegde (Yerlapady Nadumane) Banquet Hall in memory of the departed community member. Uma and Balakrishna Hegde inaugurated the facility by cutting the ribbon. Hemavathi N Hegde was present and was specially honoured during the occasion.

Manmatha G Hegde, former vice-president of the Sangha, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the organisation spanning more than three decades. He was honoured in the presence of his wife, Shubhavathi Hegde.

Senior citizen awards, presented annually to elderly members for their contributions to community service and the Sangha's activities, were also conferred.

The post humous late Raghava B Hegde Award was presented to Taramathi Hegde of Bengaluru; the late Narayan T Hegde Award to Hemavathi Hegde of Mulund; the late Sanjeeva D Hegde Award to Sulochana Hegde of Mulund; and the late Halaittu Jayaram Hegde Award to Sumithra Hegde of Kalyan, represented by her son, Rohan Hegde.

The guests presented the awards and felicitated the recipients. Shankar Hegde of Mulund, a former executive committee member and internal auditor of the Sangha, was also honoured along with his wife, Sumathi Hegde. Sponsors and generous donors who had supported the organisation were felicitated as well. The award recipients expressed their gratitude for the recognition.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Manoranajan Hegde observed that constructing a substantial building in Mumbai was no easy undertaking, as it involved the selfless service, dedication and hard work of many people.

He said the founders, office-bearers and members who had established Hegde Seva Sangha, nurtured it over the years and brought it to its present standing had made invaluable contributions.

He called for the sacrifices of senior community members to be remembered, particularly those who had left their hometowns to earn a livelihood in Mumbai and worked hard to establish and strengthen the organisation. Such celebrations, he said, played an important role in introducing younger generations to their culture, customs and heritage.

Dr Manoranajan Hegde also raised concerns about the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases associated with modern lifestyles and dietary habits. Urging people to be more conscious of their health, he advised young people in particular to avoid alcohol, smoking and other unhealthy habits and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Umesh Hegde praised the Sangha for its community-oriented initiatives and continued support to the parent organisation. He expressed particular gratitude for its assistance towards student scholarships and hoped that the strong relationship between the two organisations would continue.

He also expressed the hope that the organisations would have further opportunities to undertake meaningful initiatives for the welfare and development of the community.

Advocate Sandeep Hegde highlighted the role of community organisations in strengthening relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and building confidence among members.

Rather than merely asking what an organisation had done for them, members should first consider what they had contributed to it, he said. An organisation gives people a sense of community identity and brings them together on a common platform.

Participation in its activities also creates opportunities to establish new contacts, renew old friendships and strengthen ties among relatives and fellow community members. He urged everyone to take an active part in the Sangha's programmes and help build a stronger organisation.

In his presidential address, Manoj Hegde described the annual celebration as an important occasion for members of the Hegde community living in Mumbai to worship their deities, observe religious traditions and strengthen community bonds.

He urged members to participate in the celebrations and pass their religious customs and cultural heritage on to the next generation. He also underscored the importance of honouring senior citizens, remembering their invaluable service and seeking guidance from those who had preserved the traditions established by earlier generations.

Manoj Hegde appreciated the work of the executive committee and acknowledged the generosity of donors whose contributions had supported the organisation's activities.

The programme opened with prayers invoking the community's family deity, Sri Veeramaruthi Hanuman, and Goddess Sharada of Sringeri. Members of the women's wing rendered the prayer.

Vidwan Guruprasad Bhat conducted the Ganahoma and Sri Satyanarayana Mahapuja in the morning, followed by the Maha Mangalarathi at noon. Theertha prasada was distributed to devotees. Saroja Ratnakar Hegde and Mangala Ravi Hegde, along with their respective husbands, served as sponsors of the religious ceremonies.

A Dandiya dance programme was held in the evening as part of the Dasara celebrations.

Kaushalya Hegde, Dr Nayanambika S Hegde, Prabha Hegde of Thane and Shashi Hegde of Panvel introduced the guests. The office-bearers honoured the dignitaries with mementoes and bouquets.

CA Suresh Hegde presented the Sangha's annual report. Sujna Hegde, Krupa Hegde of Vikhroli, Shobha Hegde, Taramathi Hegde, Sujatha Hegde and Apoorva Hegde introduced and congratulated the award recipients. Women's wing secretary Savitha Hegde read out the list of meritorious and talented children.

Media coordinator Lt Muraleedhar Hegde welcomed the gathering, delivered the introductory address, compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks. The celebrations concluded with the national anthem.