President Droupadi Murmu led the bhoomi pujan for Jamshedpur’s ambitious Sri Jagannath Spiritual and Cultural Center on Thursday, captivating the audience with her vision of Lord Jagannath’s impartial benevolence towards all humankind. Held at Kadma Marine Drive, the ceremony pulsed with devotion and promise.
Her speech commenced with fervent ‘Jai Jagannath’ chants, underscoring the deity’s court as a bastion against social divisions. Quoting the folklore ‘Jagannath ke bhaat, jagat pasare haath,’ she painted a picture of collective feasting that embodies societal cohesion.
The President called the event’s occurrence a heavenly alignment, mirroring the Rath Yatra’s mysticism. She envisioned the center igniting community consciousness, anchoring Puri’s divine presence in Jamshedpur forever.
Rooted in Jharkhand’s ethos, she celebrated Jagannath dharma as tribal and mainstream traditions’ seamless blend, citing Viswavasu and Vidypati’s enduring story. The eco-conscious ‘Darubrahma’ idol, she added, echoes tribal reverence for nature.
The gathering included key figures like Governor Gangwar, CM Soren, and Minister Pradhan. Trustee Behera outlined the 100-crore, 2.5-acre project: 1.5 acres for the Puri-style temple (four-year timeline), 1 acre for cultural hub (two years), aimed at nurturing youth through sacred texts.