The State Legislative Assembly on Saturday unanimously passed a Resolution on a ‘Jagannath Heritage Corridor’ project.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik presented three proposals in the Resolution in the House through a videoconference. The resolution was supported by both opposition parties, BJP and Congress.
The first proposal was to take a vow to complete the Shrimandira Parikrama Yojana with dedication at the earliest.
The second proposal was to have the participation and contribution of all Odias and devotees of Lord Jagannath for the project.
The third proposal was to extend gratitude to people of Puri town who have sacrificed for the Shrimandira Parikrama Yojana.
“The greatest identity of Odia community is Lord Jagannath. Our history, culture, tradition and belief system are all centered on Almighty. He is the symbol of Odia esteem and pride,” said the Chief Minister.
He said all devotees who come to the temple have a desire to see the Lord in a peaceful, beautiful and spiritual environment.
“Millions of devotees pray to visit the Jagannath Temple once in a lifetime and get a glimpse of the Lord. It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that all devotees return with a divine feeling,” he said.
Patnaik said three objectives were considered for Shrimandira Parikrama Yojana when the Justice BP Das Committee had recommended for a Shrimandir security corridor.
The recommendations were: safety of the temple, safety of millions of devotees visiting the temple and creation of a spiritual atmosphere for devotees.
“In general, the Government takes steps to implement the plan. I firmly believe that this plan is not only for the Government or for the temple administration. It is the plan of 4.5 crore Odias. Therefore, I consider myself blessed to present the Corridor Plan of Shrimandira to the people of Odisha through you,” said Patnaik.
“This is a historic moment for all of us. This moment comes after ages. All of us, all the people of Odisha, have come together to share this unique moment today,” he said.
“Shrimandira is the centre of our spiritual heritage. We have preserved this priceless treasure for our future descendants in the legacy,” Patnaik said.
Supporting the proposals, Leader of Opposition Pradipta Kumar Naik (BJP) said his party wants that Puri is made a world-famous heritage site.
Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra said, “It’s really an excellent work. Congress party supports the project for maintaining the culture and heritage as well as history of Odisha.”
Mishra said the project would also boost economic activities and attract tourists to the State.
