Bhubaneswar: In a meeting defined by spiritual devotion and a commitment to social welfare, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management and Chief Administrator, Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, hosted Shri P L Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority(PPA), at Lok Seva Bhawan.
The meeting began on a sacred note as ACS Dr. Padhee presented the official Srimandir Calendar and Diary 2026 to PPA Chief Shri Haranadh. Both the mandarins took a moment to express their profound gratitude to Lord Jagannatha, attributing their professional milestones and the region’s prosperity to the divine blessings of the Lord of the Universe.
This exchange underscored the deep-rooted religious significance that the Srimandir holds for the leadership of Odisha’s key institutions. ACS Dr. Padhee lauded the Paradip Port Authority as one of the best performing ports in India, noting that its industrial success should naturally translate into support for the state’s cultural and religious heart.
The dialogue quickly transitioned from spiritual gratitude to actionable social responsibility. Recognizing the massive influx of devotees to the Holy City, PPA Chief Shri Haranadh announced that the Paradip Port Authority would extend significant financial support through its Corporate Social Responsibility fund to enhance facilities for Puri pilgrims. This initiative aims to improve the overall experience for the millions of seekers who visit the shrine annually.
Dr. Padhee welcomed the gesture, noting that substantial support from an economic powerhouse like PPA is vital for the continued development of Puri. The collaboration highlights a growing synergy between industrial leadership and the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that the Holy City can provide better amenities and infrastructure for pilgrims under the grace of Lord Jagannatha.
Sources said that the PPA is deploying its Corporate Social Responsibility funds to address the immediate needs of the millions of devotees who visit the Shree Jagannatha Temple. This includes the construction and maintenance of modern pilgrim shelters and the provision of high-capacity drinking water systems to ensure comfort during the humid peak seasons.
The Port Authority is also focusing on sustainable mobility by exploring the use of battery-operated vehicles to assist elderly and differently-abled pilgrims in navigating the temple perimeter, aligning with the state’s vision for a green and accessible heritage zone.