‘Love for all humanity begins at home.’
Dr.D Veerendra Heggade was born on 28th November, 1948 to the then Dharmadhikaari, Late Ratnavarma Heggade and his wife, Late Rathnamma. He is the eldest of five siblings- Harshendra Kumar, Surendra Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, and Padmalata Niranjan. Their grandmother Kamalavathi Amma was a friend, confidante and guide, and her stories and her company had a lasting impression on the young children.
Having grown up with the values and teachings of Dharmastala, Dr. Heggade found at the young age of 20 that his true calling was to follow his father’s illustrious footsteps and become a Dharmadhikaari himself. However, in order to prepare for this role, Dr.Heggade’s father sent him to study at the Siddhavana Gurukula, the free hostel for the poor students, which would teach him about simplicity, humility and empathy for the poor.
He married Smt. Hemavathi Heggade in a match arranged by their parents and strengthened by their mutual respect for one another. Mrs. Hemavathi has been an inspiration and pillar of support to Dr. Heggade and an exemplary mother to their daughter, Shraddha.
Alongside being a devoted matriarch, Smt. Heggade has found time to support several social causes. She also spearheads Jnanavikasa, the women empowerment program of the organization.