Mangaluru, April 9, 2015 : Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade was accorded a warm reception at the Mangaluru International Airport here on April 9, Thursday upon his arrival to the city after receiving the prestigious Padma Vibhushan Award from President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on April 8.
Speaking to media men on the occasion, Dr Heggade said he was grateful to the President as well as the Indian government for conferring the Award on him. He said along with his first duty of serving Lord Manjunatha of Dharmasthala, he was involving himself in social works for the betterment of the society.
He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to his wife, his family and all his well-wishers for their constant support in his endeavours.
Dr Hemavathi Heggade was also present on the occasion. Among those who had gathered to welcome Dr Heggade included his brother Surendra Kumar, Vasanth Bangera, MLA of Belthangady and MR Vasudeva, former director of Mangaluru Airport,