Report / pics: Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Nov 1: Calling selfless service, collective commitment and unity the driving forces behind a strong organisation and a progressive society, Manoj Hegde of Thane, president of Heggade Seva Sangha, Mumbai, urged members to uphold the organisation’s long-standing tradition of community service and work together for the all-round development of society.
“Every member has a significant role to play in the overall development of the community. Every step taken by our Sangha is dedicated to public welfare. It is through the unanimous support and collective cooperation of our members that we have been able to translate our socially oriented vision into successful initiatives. Only through collective efforts and selfless dedication can we build a strong, healthy and progressive society,” he said.
Manoj Hegde was addressing the 62nd annual general meeting of Heggade Seva Sangha, Mumbai, held on Sunday morning at Heggade Bhavan, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, where he presided over the proceedings.
Paying tribute to the pioneers whose dedication laid the foundation for the organisation's growth, Hegde fondly recalled the contributions of its founder-president, late Marnadu Raghava Hegde. He also acknowledged Devadas Hegde for securing the necessary permission from CIDCO for the construction of Heggade Bhavan and Prabhakar Hegde for his tireless, round-the-clock efforts in bringing the building project to completion.
He described the installation of a statue of Elnaduguthu Shivappa Hegde as a moment of immense pride for the Heggade community. Highlighting the importance of preserving community traditions, he urged members to encourage their children to uphold their community identity and avoid inter-caste marriages.
Emphasising that the organisation's achievements were rooted in the broad-mindedness of its members and their genuine concern for the community, Hegde said that the spirit of unity and the tradition of selfless service must continue. He called upon members to strengthen these values and make the Sangha an inspiring example in the endeavour to build a strong and harmonious society.
The meeting was attended by president Anand Hegde, vice-president Arun Hegde, general secretary Surendranath Hegde, treasurer CA Suresh Hegde, joint secretary Rupesh Hegde and joint treasurer Harish Kumar Hegde, who were seated on the dais.
Women's wing president Chhaya Hegde Noorani, Youth Wing president Sunil Raghunath Hegde and internal auditor Ganesh Hegde of Thane were also prominently present.
In an expression of confidence in the existing leadership, the members proposed the continuation of the present office-bearers for the next term, and the proposal received the meeting's approval. Ganesh Hegde was also reappointed as the statutory auditor (internal auditor) for the financial year 2026–2027.
Presenting the reports of the organisation's previous meetings, Surendranath Hegde read out the proceedings of the 61st AGM as well as the report of the previous extraordinary general meeting.
CA Suresh Hegde presented a comprehensive account of the Sangha's service activities during the preceding year. He also placed before the members the financial statements for the concluded financial year, comprising the income and expenditure account, balance sheet and auditor's report. The budget estimates for the forthcoming financial year were subsequently presented for consideration.
The meeting also witnessed active participation from members, with Ravi Hegde Hermunde, Prasanna Hegde, Chandrashekhar Hegde, Ratnakar Hegde, Prabhakar Hegde, Anil Hegde Nerul, Ashok Hegde Chembur and Santosh Hegde Airoli, among others, sharing their views and suggestions.
The members appreciated the Sangha's functioning and its commitment to community-oriented service activities. They also offered valuable suggestions for further strengthening its initiatives and expressed their hope that the organisation would scale greater heights in the years ahead.
The proceedings began with prayers and salutations to the community's family deity, Shri Veeramaruti Hanuman. The gathering also observed a moment of silence in memory of Sangha members and well-wishers who had passed away during the previous year, offering its heartfelt condolences.
L Muralidhar Hegde welcomed the gathering, conducted the proceedings of the meeting and proposed the vote of thanks.
The 62nd AGM concluded on a solemn and patriotic note with the singing of the National Anthem.