Rooted at the heritage town of Dharmasthala, our first naturopathy facility was founded 36 years ago. Today the facility Shantivana holds 400 beds with a modern hospital complex.
Our founder and visionary, Dr D Veerendra Heggade had also established a college for naturopathy and yogic sciences in 1988.
This has – over the years – produced quality practitioners and competent doctors for our services. A 300-bedded facility Saukhyavana was opened in 2007 at Manipal, to serve the growing needs of natural healing. Kshemavana is our latest offering – an all-inclusive sanctum with wholesome ways of healing.
Dr. D Veerendra Heggade
A legacy led by example
Dr D Veerendra Heggade is the founder of the SDME trust, and the visionary behind Kshemavana. A renowned philanthropist, he is the hereditary administrator or Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala Temple. He, along with his predecessors, have played inspiring roles in administrative, social, religious and developmental activities in the history of Dharmasthala.
Dr Heggade succeeded his father’s position at a young age of 20, starting a journey of excellence and innovation. His contributions to education and social causes has been multifaceted and widespread, from rural development and self employment initiatives across the country, to preservation of art and culture. Prominent among his social initiatives is the Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP), which provides a wide array of programs focusing on the financial, social, and intellectual upliftment of the people.
The project around 6 lakh SHGs consisting of more than 50 lakh members in Karnataka. In 1982, he established RUDESETI, a self-employment training institute,which now boasts 590 centers nationwide. He pioneered the SDM group of institutions, setting a fine example of how education is to be imparted. The Manjusha museum, showcasing heritage artifacts collected over 50 years, and the Payana car museum in Mysore for vintage automobiles are a testament to his commitment to preserving art and heritage. Shanthivana, the first naturopathy and Yoga hospital was established at Dharmasthala in 1982, followed by Soukhyavana at Manipal, in an attempt to revive and strengthen the ancient Indian practice of medicine. Recognising the need for trained and competent doctors in the field, He established India’s first independent college offering UG and PG courses in Naturopathy and yogic sciences at Ujire, in 1984. His many accomplishments have earned him several accolades, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award by the central government of India, in 2015.
Shri D Surendra Kumar
Shri D Surendra Kumar, hailing from Dharmasthala is an institution more than a personality. A recipient of the Karnataka State Rajyotsava Award, he is an active part of all educational, religious and philanthropic initiatives spearheaded by Dharmasthala.
His many designations include The Vice President of SDME Society, Trustee of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project, and Member of Board of Directors of Karnataka Bank.
A devoted businessman and a loved family man, he is one of the most recognized names in Karnataka. He is the Executive President of Bharateeya Jain Milan and has been instrumental in ensuring that Jains obtain minority status in the country.
Of the many successful endeavours he has pioneered and been a part of, educational initiatives are what he deems the most fulfilling, validated by the fact that he is the Executive Member of Federation of Jain Educational Institutes which encompasses more than 2500 educational institutes throughout India. He has involved himself in the publication of religious books, restoration of old temples and even connectivity events for Jains. The multi-dimensional personality is a tireless, committed one working oftentimes beyond his limits for accomplishment of multiple socially oriented goals.
Shri D Harshendra Kumar
D. Harshendra Kumar, a distinguished individual from Dharmasthala, Karnataka, born on October 1, 1953, is a notable figure in social and educational development. He holds a B.A. degree from Bangalore University and is actively involved in the Dharmasthala Temple as the Executive Coordinator. Kumar plays significant roles in esteemed organizations such as Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational Trust and Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Educational Society. He leads the Rural Development and Self-Employment Training Institute in Ujire and is associated with the Shanthivana Trust and Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Kripaposhitha Yakshagana Mandali.
He oversees the administration of the temple, ensuring the smooth operation of its dining facilities, which serve approximately 30,000 people daily. His responsibilities also include managing the choultry and rooms, ensuring seamless coordination of various activities.
His influence extends to culture, where he directs the Yakshagana Training Centre and holds a directorial position at Karnataka Bank Limited. He is also a member of the CAPART Regional Committee in DHARWAD, contributing extensively to societal advancement and community enrichment.
Shraddha Amith
Shraddha Amith, a voracious reader and an ardent traveller, hails from Dharmasthala and is a pioneer of progressive initiatives aiming at women empowerment. She holds a Masters degree in Psychology. Alongside literature, her interests and skills include effective communication and organization. She travels far and wide and thanks to her keen observations, brings back the best elements back to Dharmasthala where they are implemented for notable social impact.
One such initiative is Jnanavikasa, a YouTube channel she incepted under the guidance of Dr. D Veerendra Heggade and Maatrushree Hemavathi V Heggade. Shraddha Amith has an evident zeal towards manifesting a better world for rural women in Karnataka and her ideas, activities and environment are reflections of this very inspiring personality.
Shreyas Kumar
An Engineer by educational qualification, a pioneer of novelty in Project Management by passion. He hails from Dharmasthala and holds a Master degree in Project Management from University of Berkeley, USA.
He has formerly completed BE in Computer Science from BMS College Bangalore. He ventured into Project Management soon after his graduation by being appointed as the Project Director at SDM Group of Institutions.
His major successful projects include the establishments of SDM Super-speciality Hospital, Dharwad, SDM ayurveda College Bangalore, SDM Yogakshema Hassan, BEEDU Dharmasthala, SDM Ayurveda College Hassan, SDM CBSE School Mangalore, SDM Ayurveda Hospital Udupi and SDM Naturecure Hospital Nelamangala.
