Bhatkal: High Court advocate Nagendra Naik has been elected president of the Namadhari Development Committee, representing the 18 Kootas of the Nichchalamakki Venkataramana Temple at Asarkeri in Bhatkal.

Vinayak Naik was elected vice-president, while Venkatesh Naik of Asarkeri was elected general secretary.

The new office-bearers were elected during a selection process held at the Nichchalamakki auditorium in Asarkeri.

Representatives of the Namadhari community's 18 Kootas are elected once every three years to lead the community. The committee oversees various religious and social activities, including the Palaki Utsav and Karthika Utsav at the Nichchalamakki Venkataramana Temple.

Retired judge Ravi Naik and retired PU college principal Gajanan Naik attended the meeting. The community's outgoing president Arun Naik, secretary D.L. Naik, vice-president M.K. Naik and member R.G. Naik were also present.