The Pergades were the feudal lords of the temple town of Dharmasthala.

The couple were parents to five children, four sons (Veerendra, Surendra, Harshendra, Rajendra) and a daughter (Padmalata).

He transformed the village of Dharmasthala to a modern township, developing the land and buildings.

[5] Heggade also initiated plans to erect a statue of Bahubali similar to ones at Venur, Karkala and Shravanabelagola.

The prize is awarded each year during a play-writing competition sponsored by Tulukoota, a Tulu language monthly magazine.