DharmasthalaMantra of Development

Heggade's Path of Development towards Athmanirbharata Traced, How Temples can Transform Life, Economically and Socially

- M Raghuram

The book "Dharmasthala: Mantra of Development" authored by Dr Nagesh Prabhu offers an insightful exploration into how a temple town in Karnataka, led by Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade has evolved into a symbol of self-reliance and socioeconomic development. Through meticulous research, including extensive fieldwork and interviews, Prabhu delves into the journey of poverty alleviation initiatives, transforming into a national model for rural development and economic empowerment.

Central to this narrative are institutions like the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) and the Rural Development and Self-Employment Training Institute (RUDSETI) spearheaded by Heggade.

Two organizations have played a pivotal role in empowering rural communities through entrepreneurial training and financial assistance, effectively replacing traditional moneylenders and providing support to self-help groups, students, and the marginalised.