PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 26: In a significant spiritual and cultural moment for Jamshedpur, President of India Droupadi Murmu on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the ₹100-crore Shri Jagannath Spiritual and Cultural Centre at Marine Drive (Anil Sur Path) in Kadma.
The President unveiled the plaque and participated in the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, which was conducted with full rituals and Vedic chants by a team of priests specially invited from the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The project, inspired by the 12th-century Jagannath Temple of Puri, will be developed as a near replica of the iconic Odisha shrine, reflecting the state’s rich spiritual heritage.
President Murmu appreciated the vision and efforts of S.K. Behera and his team for conceptualising and spearheading the ambitious project.
Centre to Promote Spiritual and Cultural Values
The Shri Jagannath Spiritual and Cultural Centre will be operated by the Shri Jagannath Spiritual and Cultural Charitable Centre Trust.
Spread over 2.5 acres, the complex is envisioned not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for spiritual science, value-based education and personality development, particularly aimed at empowering the youth.
The spiritual and cultural centre is expected to be completed within two years, while the main temple structure is projected to be ready in four years.
Chief Minister Calls Initiative ‘Commendable’
Addressing the gathering with the chant of “Jai Jagannath,” Chief Minister Hemant Soren described the establishment of the centre as a commendable initiative.
He said that institutions built with clear objectives help shape both individuals and society. In this context, he noted, the foundation stone marks the beginning of a grand and vibrant centre for social, spiritual and cultural coordination.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that under the guidance of the Trust, a magnificent and unprecedented institution would take shape in Jamshedpur. He extended his greetings and best wishes to all associated with the project.
Boost to City’s Cultural Landscape
Residents across the region have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a major addition to Jamshedpur’s cultural and spiritual identity.
Beyond its religious significance, the centre is expected to serve as a hub for community engagement, cultural programmes and spiritual discourse—further strengthening the steel city’s image as not only an industrial powerhouse but also a flourishing centre of faith and heritage.
Dignitaries Attend Grand Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahto MLA Saryu Roy, and several other dignitaries.
Among those present were Tata Steel CEO and Managing Director T.V. Narendran, Managing Trustee of the Shri Jagannath Spiritual and Cultural Charitable Centre Trust S.K. Behera, and trustees Manoranjan Das and Sridhar Pradhan. MLAs Saryu Rai and Purnima Sahu were also present.