Jindal Foundation serves 20 lakh devotees during Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JULY 7, 2025

In a remarkable display of devotion and service, the Jindal Foundation — the social arm of Jindal Steel & Power — served over two million (20 lakh) freshly prepared traditional meals to devotees during the Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri. The initiative, rooted in a decade-long tradition of selfless service, spanned 11 days — from Nabajouban Darshan on June 26 to Suna Besha on July 6.

To ensure maximum outreach, the Foundation operated two large-scale food distribution stalls strategically located near Puri Railway Station and the Gundicha Temple bus stand. Each day, thousands of pilgrims were served a culturally significant and nutritious Odia meal consisting of rice, dalma (a hearty lentil and vegetable stew), and khata (a sweet and tangy chutney). All meals were cooked under stringent hygiene protocols and served with devotion by a committed team of more than 160 volunteers and staff, who worked in coordinated shifts to manage preparation, transport, and distribution.

The stall at the bus stand was inaugurated by Dr. Sambit Patra, Member of Parliament (Puri), while the one near the railway station was inaugurated by ADRM D.K. Behera in the presence of Senior SDM Anil Kumar and other senior railway officials.

Shallu Jindal, Chairperson of the Jindal Foundation, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve: “It has been our humble effort for the past 11 years to ensure that no devotee goes hungry during Rath Yatra. We feel truly blessed to be part of this sacred celebration of devotion and unity.”

The Foundation’s Rath Yatra seva, initiated in 2015 under the guidance of Jindal Steel & Power Chairman Naveen Jindal, has grown steadily each year in both scale and impact.

Beyond meal distribution, the Foundation also supported pilgrims and frontline workers with critical resources. These included 10,000 ORS sachets for rehydration, 600 raincoats for on-ground personnel, and three refrigerated water tankers with 1,000-litre capacity each to supply clean drinking water. In a significant step to improve sanitation during the festival, 50 bio-toilets were handed over to the district administration.

In a formal communication, the Puri district administration expressed deep appreciation for the Jindal Foundation’s contributions during the festival.

The Foundation’s large-scale outreach during Rath Yatra stands as a shining example of seva, cultural reverence, and unwavering humanitarian commitment.