THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
PURI/BHUBANESWAR, JULY 26, 2026
Reinforcing its commitment to community welfare and
humanitarian service, Reliance Foundation has extended special nutritious meal
support to 250 Scout and Guide student volunteers who played a vital role in
assisting frontline services during the Puri Rath Yatra 2026. The initiative
reflects the Foundation's continued focus on supporting those who contribute
selflessly to one of the world's largest religious gatherings.
The beneficiaries included 240 students from Puri and 10
students from Bhubaneswar, representing 22 schools. Throughout the grand
festival, these young volunteers worked alongside the district administration,
undertaking critical responsibilities such as crowd management, emergency
response, pilgrim assistance, and ensuring the smooth movement of ambulances
through the heavily crowded routes. Their dedicated service significantly
contributed to the safe and efficient conduct of the annual chariot festival.
The meal support was organised following a request from Rajendra
Narayan Harichandan, Vice President of the Bholanath School Alumni Association
and Rover Leader in Scouts. Responding promptly, Reliance Foundation arranged
freshly prepared, nutritious meals to ensure the student volunteers remained
well-nourished and energised while performing their demanding duties over long
hours.
Further strengthening its Anna Seva initiative, Reliance
Foundation also provided daily lunch and dinner to girl students from various
districts of Odisha residing at the Bholanath High School hostel during the
Rath Yatra period. The initiative aimed to ensure that the students had access
to wholesome meals while participating in festival-related activities and
community service.
The Foundation's support underscores its broader commitment
to caring for volunteers, frontline workers, and local communities who play an
indispensable role in ensuring the smooth and safe conduct of the iconic Rath
Yatra. By investing in the well-being of these young volunteers, Reliance
Foundation has demonstrated how corporate social responsibility can directly
strengthen community participation and public service during large-scale
events.
In collaboration with the Puri district administration, Reliance Foundation is implementing a comprehensive bouquet of Puri Rath Yatra Seva Services 2026, encompassing Anna Seva, support for frontline personnel, sanitation assistance, volunteer engagement, public infrastructure, and technology-enabled coordination to enhance the overall festival experience.
As part of these services, the Foundation has established a Central Kitchen and a dedicated serving facility at Bholanath High School on Grand Road, Puri, from where freshly prepared satvik meals and safe drinking water are being served to thousands of pilgrims and frontline personnel every day from July 15 to July 27, 2026. The initiative continues to embody Reliance Foundation's vision of serving humanity through compassion, collaboration, and sustainable community engagement, making a meaningful difference during Odisha's most revered spiritual celebration.
