The Heggade Chieftains at Dharmasthalaare in themselves a historic attribute that is unmatched elsewhere in India. The position of Pattadhikaari holds religious, political, administrative, legal and developmental importance, which has been carried out to perfection by every man who has been coronated to it. The current Pattadhikaari has sustained the same age-old legacy to the extent of drawing national and international attention towards Dharmasthala.
Dr. D VeerendraHeggade succeeded his father Late Shri RathnavarmaHeggade to the position at a tender age of 20. It has been 51 years since, and his accomplishments speak volumes of his personality. In recognition of the same, a well-deserved Padma Vibhushana Award was awarded to him in 2015 by the Central Government of India.