The Samikhsya Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s initiative of involving the Odia people from all over the globe with mobilization of fund-raising for development of Puri and the Jagannath temple has received an encouraging response from the Gajapati Maharaja Sri Dibyasingha Deb.
Th Maharaja has accepted the invitation of Pradhan to be involved in the process.
The minister had requested him to lead the initiative and head the fund mobilizing drive.
However, the Gajapati is yet to accept the request to head the funds collection drive though he has appreciated the Odia community’s involvement in Puri and the temple’s development.
Pradhan has suggested for setting up of ‘nidhi’ (resource) and “jan andolan” (people’s movement) for his dream projects similar to the Ayodhya temple fund mobilisation.
The Finance Commission has allotted Rs 175 crore for Puri Gajapati Maharaja following his request for special funds to develop the city and projects linked to the Jagannath temple, the Minister noted.
Besides, funds will also be available from the Ministries of Culture and Tourism for the purpose, he added.
Pradhan took the lead in initiating a dialogue over a video conference involving non-resident Odias living abroad. He sought cooperation and contribution of the Odia community to contribute for the projects.
The Gajapati Maharaja who heads the Jagannath Temple management, also took part in the video conference and elaborated on the mega Parikrama Project around the Puri Jagannath Temple and sought support of the non-resident Odias.
