THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
PURI, JULY 22, 2026
Amidst the resounding chants of "Jai Jagannath" and
the sea of devotees thronging the sacred streets of Puri, another inspiring
tradition continues to unfold quietly — one rooted in compassion, selfless
service and unwavering commitment to humanity. For the past 12 years, Jindal
Foundation, the CSR arm of industrialist and MP Naveen Jindal-led Jindal Steel,
has been transforming the annual Rath Yatra into an enduring celebration of
service through its flagship Rath Yatra Seva initiative.
Launched during the historic Nabakalebara celebrations in
2015, the initiative has grown into one of the largest corporate-supported
humanitarian programmes associated with the world-famous Rath Yatra. This year,
from July 15 to 25, 2026, the Foundation is set to serve lakhs of freshly
cooked meals to devotees arriving from every corner of India and across the
globe.
At three strategically located service centres — near the
Shri Gundicha Temple Bus Stand, Puri Railway Station Square, and Station Road —
live community kitchens spring into action well before dawn. Teams of dedicated
volunteers and Jindal Steel employees work tirelessly in shifts to prepare
wholesome traditional Odia meals comprising rice, dalma and khata, ensuring the
highest standards of hygiene, quality and food safety.
Demonstrating its holistic approach to pilgrim welfare,
Jindal Foundation has significantly expanded its support this year beyond
community meals. To help devotees cope with the physical demands of the
festival, the Foundation has distributed 6,000 glucose packets, provided 1,300
raincoats to personnel engaged in pulling the holy chariots and assisting the
district administration, and deployed three 1,000-litre safe drinking water
tankers at key locations throughout the eleven-day festival, ensuring
uninterrupted access to clean drinking water.
For elderly pilgrims, women travelling with children and
devotees who have undertaken long journeys to seek the blessings of Lord
Jagannath, these service centres offer much more than food — they provide care,
comfort and reassurance. Volunteers efficiently manage queues, assist
vulnerable visitors and ensure that every devotee is served with dignity,
warmth and respect.
As the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra roll through the grand avenues of Puri, the Foundation's volunteers continue their noble mission behind the scenes — serving meals, offering drinking water, extending support to those in need and exemplifying the timeless Indian ethos of 'Seva Parmo Dharma' — service is the highest form of duty.
What began as a humble initiative has today become a shining example of corporate social responsibility in action. Eleven years after its inception, Jindal Foundation's Rath Yatra Seva has transcended tradition to become a symbol of compassion, community service and spiritual devotion — reinforcing the enduring belief that the greatest worship lies in serving humanity.
