BELTHANGADY, KARNATAKA — Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today officially inaugurated the SIRI Mathrushree Industrial Park at Belthangady in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka during his visit to Dharmasthala.
Addressing a massive gathering, the Vice President highlighted that a prosperous rural India can only be built through institutions like SIRI, which have empowered thousands of women and rural families through sustainable livelihood generation and grassroots entrepreneurship. He noted that inclusive development for all citizens remains central to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
“SIRI demonstrates that industries can be socially responsible, women-centric, environmentally conscious, and deeply humane. It is a model worthy of national replication.”
— Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India
Driving Social Transformation at Scale
The Vice President commended the profound impact that the institution has had on uplifting marginalized sections of society, noting its stellar track record:
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Livelihood Generation: SIRI currently supports the livelihoods of more than 3,000 individuals directly and over 10,000 individuals indirectly, with the vast majority being women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Human-Centric Ecosystem: The newly inaugurated industrial park features extensive welfare amenities, including dedicated hostel facilities for women employees, residential quarters, childcare support systems, hygienic kitchens, and structured transportation facilities.
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Blending Tradition and Modernity: The institution successfully combines traditional craftsmanship and skills with scientific management practices.
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Economic Self-Reliance: The movement perfectly channels the spirit of “Vocal for Local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” to secure rural financial independence.
The Vice President praised Rajya Sabha MP and President of SIRI, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, for demonstrating how spirituality can drive positive social change, and lauded Smt. Hemavathi V. Heggade for her relentless dedication to women’s welfare.
Call for Secular Harmony and Social Coexistence
Speaking at Dharmasthala, a historic cultural center, the Vice President emphasized the enduring values of Indian civilization, which has always championed peaceful coexistence. He stated that true Bhakti transcends religious boundaries and infuses moral strength into society.
Stressing the absolute necessity of preserving secularism, the Vice President explicitly stated that while all religions must be treated with equal respect and dignity, any form of forced religious conversion must be discouraged.
Earlier in the day, the Vice President visited the sacred Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple to offer prayers. He also inspected the Annapoorna Prasada Nilaya, interacting directly with devotees and appreciating the temple’s age-old tradition of offering free community mass feedings rooted in equality and compassion.
The high-profile inauguration event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot; Rajya Sabha MP Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade; Lok Sabha MP Shri Brijesh Chowta; and SIRI Founder Smt. Hemavathi V. Heggade.
