Sarbbajibasya Jibaschha Gopati Mrarutang Pati Hi. Manobbrudhi-Ra-Hankara Kamidi-Kroddhanasana. Mahamurti Biswamurti-Mahabruddhhi Parakrama. Sarvabitha-Chari cha Drwsta Debapati Sada”.
These are the Sanskrit Slokas in honor of Lord Jagannath quoted not by any scholar or saint. These stanzas were circulated among the people across the globe by an MBBS graduate, who made it to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2002.
He is Dr Krishan Kumar, the suave, pious Odisha-Cadre IAS officer, whose spiritual bent of mind has unfolded a new chapter in the State. Apart from being the Secretary, Works, he is also the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
He has also two more assignments to handle. Despite his 24×7 busy schedule, Dr Kumar, during his tenure as the SJTA head, has carved out a place for himself in the divine world being an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath. Born at Rothak in Haryana, Dr Kumar preferred the IAS to becoming a doctor. The SJTA assignment is an additional charge for him officially. But the manner in which the young mandarin involves himself in the affairs of the Jagannath Temple is unprecedented. “It’s almost a fulltime job for him,” said a senior servitor of the shrine.
When there was uncertainty over holding the Rath Yatra last year due to the Covid pandemic, Dr Kumar had a strong faith that the great annual festival would definitely be conducted amidst restrictions without devotees.
When a petition was pending in the Supreme Court for a final judgment in the matter, he kept the three chariots ready to roll on the Grand Road. Finally, the Rath Yatra was held as the court permitted it. This year, in the midst of the second wave of the pandemic, many people started circulating fake news that carpenters engaged in chariot making have been infected with the Covid-19.
However, Dr Kumar declared the Rath Khala (chariot making yard) a bio-bubble zone and no Covid positive person was allowed entry. The construction is now in full swing and the chariots are expected to be ready much before the schedule.