Dr.D.V.Heggade, the presiding Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala is in the lineage of the famous Heggades who belong to the Jain school of thought.

Ever since he took over the mantle of Dharmadhikari at a very young age of 20, he has never looked back and is today a household name in the whole of Karnataka.

To be the Dharmadhikari of a renown religious centre Dharmasthala, the abode of Lord Manjunatheswara, is in itself challenging and demanding. Probably the most unique example of our times, the Lord Manjunatha temple has the involvement of Hinduism, Jainism, and Agamas.  It is rather a classic confluence of religions. Dr.Heggade is constantly managing the affairs of the temple besides making it a centre for pilgrims.

Apart from discharging his duties as a Dharmadhikari, Dr.Heggade is engaged in numerous philanthropic projects.  His exploits in the field of Education are stupendous. He has been instrumental in establishing medical, dental, engineering, management colleges besides schools and colleges in many places of Karnataka. To empower people in rural areas, make them self-reliant, be self-sufficient, he has designed many programmes.  He has set up farmers clinics, cottage & village co-operatives, and rural development centres in collaboration with nationalized banks.  These measures have resulted in injecting new vigour in traditional village and cottage industry. He is a connoisseur of art and has taken keen interest in protecting and fostering folk art ‘Yakshagana’.

Dr.Heggade was honored with the coveted Padmabhushana award in accolades are common for him. There have been many citations, titles, and awards presented to him.  The latest feather in his cap is that he was bestowed the Fellowship by The Royal College of Physicians, Glasgow.

Dr Heggade is an enigma for many. Despite his hectic schedule, he never seems to be exhausted at the end of the day. His face is still radiant and everyone having an audience with him returns satisfied.  The energy within is so intense that one can experience the positive vibrations emanating from him.  Such is his aura! Dr.Heggadeji’s initiatives for the cause of Education have met with resounding success. Under his stewardship, the JSS was infused with fresh vigor  many institutions have come up under its flag, and the campus is vibrant and a beehive of activity. Ever since he established our school, we have gone only one way……Ahead!