Dr. Heggade returns after accepting Ashden 2012 Gold Award in London

Dr. Heggade returns after accepting Ashden 2012 Gold Award in London

Mangalore Today News Network

Dharmasthala, June 8, 2012: Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala authorities organized a grand ceremony in Amritavarshini Auditorium on June 7, Thursday to welcome Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, the dharmadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, who had been to London to accept the Ashden 2012 Gold Award for Microfinance given away for the Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP).

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Heggade said that alternative energy will be given more importance in the near future, adding that solar lights and gobar gas units will become more popular. He said that SKDRDP set up 10,000 gobar gas units this year and will increase this number to 15,000 in the next three years. He also said that SKDRDP will take the initiative of providing 15,000 solar-powered lights to various houses.

Stating that the award has increased responsibilities, he said that efforts should be made to raise awareness regarding the use of alternative fuels and renewable sources of energy.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. S. Prabhakar, vice president of SDM Educational Institutions, said that Dr. Heggade has set an example through all the welfare projects he has launched. Hemavathi Heggade, wife of Dr. Heggade, also addressed the gathering.

Before the formal stage program began, Dr. Heggade was taken in a grand procession of decorated elephants, bullet cars, scouts, school bands, Mysore band set, and guards attired in Western uniforms from the entrance of Dharmasthala to Amritavarshini Auditorium.

The venue was brightly lit with solar-powered lamps and LED lights.