Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Feb 2: Despite the fast-paced and demanding life in Mumbai, the achievements of the Heggade community stand out as truly exemplary and reflect strong commitment towards society, said UK-based entrepreneur Chandrahas Hegde of London.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 65th annual anniversary and annual religious meet of Heggade Seva Sangha (R), Mumbai, held on Sunday at the Jayanti Vittal Hegde Memorial Hall at the Heggade Bhavan in Airoli, Navi Mumbai. Chandrahas Hegde formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp and flagged off the anniversary celebrations and cultural events.
He said the progress achieved by the organisation demonstrated deep love, unity and dedication towards the community. When social organisations and society move forward together with equality and cooperation, community development becomes easier, he added, noting that the Mumbai unit of the Heggade community had set an outstanding example of collective growth.
The programme was held under the chairmanship of Heggade Seva Sangha Mumbai president Manoj Hegde. Principal Sheela Shivaram Hegde of Venoor attended as a special invitee, while Dhananjaya Hegde of Bengaluru, Ratnakar M Hegde of Moodbidri, vice president of Dakshina Kannada Heggade Society, and sangha honorary president Anand Hegde were present as honoured guests. Also present on the dais were vice president Arun Kumar N Hegde, honorary general secretary Surendranath Hegde, honorary treasurer CA Suresh Hegde, joint secretary Roopesh V Hegde, joint treasurer Harish V Hegde, women’s wing president Chhaya R Hegde and youth wing president Sunil R Hegde.
During the programme, Ratnakar M Hegde, former treasurer of the sangha, was honoured with the Senior Citizen Award, while the late Sundari Babu Hegde of Ghatkopar and the late Ranjani Vasant Hegde of Kallabettu were posthumously conferred the Sheth Babu Hegde Memorial Award. Balkrishna Hegde, along with Manjula Hegde, and Elnaduguttu Ratnakar Hegde were also felicitated. Scholarships, certificates and mementoes were distributed to deserving students of the community under the sangha’s annual education fund.
Addressing the gathering, Ratnakar Hegde said there was a vast difference between the past and present, and the current growth of the organisation was commendable. He urged members to move beyond personal interests and contribute meaningfully to society.
Dhananjaya Hegde said the honour accorded to him was a privilege and highlighted the need to understand and pass on the cultural roots of the Heggade community to future generations. Sheela Hegde noted that constructing a large Heggade Bhavan in Mumbai was a major achievement for a small community and said the society’s contribution to social and educational causes had made it a beacon of hope.
In his presidential address, Manoj Hegde said that while Mumbai was the community’s karmabhoomi, the Heggade Bhavan had become its spiritual and cultural centre in the city. For nearly eight decades, elders and members had worked selflessly for the community’s progress, and he expressed hope that future generations would carry this legacy forward.
The day-long programme began with prayers to the clan deity Veera Maruti and religious rituals, including Ganahoma and Sri Satyanarayana Mahapuja, conducted by scholar Guruprasad Bhat. Cultural programmes by children, women and members of the sangha added colour to the celebrations.
Former and present office-bearers, executive committee members and a large number of community members were present. The programme concluded with the rendition of the national song Vande Mataram.