Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Feb 1: “The Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, Dr D Veerendra Heggade, has undertaken public welfare initiatives that governments have often been unable to execute. Through self-respect, self-reliance and confidence, the rural development project has empowered people to sustain their livelihoods,” said Lavanya Ballal, chairperson of the State Seed and Organic Certification Authority.
She was speaking on Sunday at the inauguration of the Bantwal taluk-level women’s awareness workshop under the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project, held at the Sri Manjunath Kalyana Mantapa in Bantwal.
Speaking at the event, Bantwal tahsildar Manjunath G observed, “Decades ago, the condition of girls was extremely challenging, and opportunities for their education were limited. Families faced continual hardships. Today, the situation has changed significantly, and the rural development project has played a major role in this transformation. Dharmasthala’s contributions in education, knowledge, and healthcare have been immense, and with the blessings of Sri Manjunath, these initiatives have been carried out successfully.”
Anand Suvarna, regional director of the Udupi project, said, “The project, led by Poojya Khavandaru and Matrushree Amma over the past 40 years, has focused on strengthening communities and empowering underprivileged families to lead dignified lives.”
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including entrepreneur Harindra Pai; Ronald D’Souza, president of the Bantwal Taluk Janajagruti Vedike; Amrutha, project officer of the Udupi regional office Women’s Knowledge Development Centre; and Shailaja Rajesh, president of the Baltila Vatsalyamayi Women’s Research Centre. Mallika Banger, executive director of the Mangaluru Incharra Foundation, addressed the gathering on women’s health and its role in building resilient communities.
During the event, Vatsalya kits and monthly rations were distributed, and honours were bestowed on five top-performing knowledge development unions in the taluk. Bantwal project officer Jayananda P welcomed the guests, while Savita, Knowledge Development coordinator, offered felicitations.
Mamata Santosh, supervisor of the Tumbe region, managed the proceedings.