Pics: Arun Uppinangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)
Puttur, Oct 3: "In the recent past, we are seeing more and more rural families that have rid themselves of the liquor addictions and are improving their financial status. Our next goal should be towards making a healthy and cultured society a reality," said Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade.
He was speaking after initiating 'Swastya Sankalpa,' a state-level programme aimed at creating health awareness and resolve to improve it, at the meeting of the office-bearers of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) and Janajagruti Vedike from the twin districts.
"The said programme, being implemented with the coordination of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Education Society, is a social revolution targeting to eradicate vices from the society. The youth treat all the bad habits including smoking, as a fashion statement. For helping the youth to kick out their addictions and return to healthy ways, effective measures will be taken at all the colleges through the 'Swastya Sankalpa' scheme," Heggade explained.
MP D V Sadanand Gowda who inaugurated the peoples' awareness workshop conducted on the occasion, lamented the fact that the goals envisioned during the freedom struggle have remained elusive till now.
"The society comprises of both cultured people and some, with distorted principles. We should continue to work to ensure that the people in general do not get attracted towards wrongs. For this to happen, we should uphold our culture. Towards this objective, ideals and principles for which Gandhiji stood, which are relevant to this date, need to be followed," he felt.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned physician Dr B M Hegde stressed the point that people cannot be transformed through laws. "Janajagruti Vedike from Dharmasthala has shown to the world that it is indeed possible to drive away the negativities by transforming the minds of people," he stated.
MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik, speaking after handing over certificates to the people who got rid of their drinking habit by taking part in the camp, wanted the birth anniversary of Gandhiji to be observed meaningfully by working for social upliftment rather than remaining mere symbolic programme.
Bantwal MLA B Ramanath Rai said that the projects and schemes initiated by social service institutions promoted by Dharmasthala are helping those who have wriggled out of addictions, to join the main stream with confidence and get back their status in the society. MLA Mallika Prasad wished that the model of Gandhiji's struggle should be the ideal for those aiming at social transformation.
MLA K Abhaychandra and Manjunatheshwara College principal Prof Yashovarma were present at the dais. On behalf of Janajagruti Vedike, Dr Heggade, who will be turning 60 shortly, was honoured.
SKDRDP executive director Dr L H Manjunath welcomed. Human Resource Official of SKDRDP Vivek Vincent Pais compered the programme.