Jamshedpur: President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the transformative power of spiritual education during her visit to the Steel City on Thursday. While laying the foundation stone for the Shri Jagannath Spiritual and Cultural Charitable Centre in Kadma, she stated that the Bhagavad Gita offers a “new direction” for today’s youth.
The President performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the ₹100-crore project, which aims to become a landmark for character building and communal harmony in Jharkhand.
The Gita: “Food for the Soul”
Addressing a large gathering, the President described the Bhagavad Gita as essential “food for the soul.” She emphasized that its teachings provide the moral strength necessary for the younger generation to navigate modern challenges.
- Values and Discipline: According to the President, spiritual centers are vital to instilling discipline and a sense of purpose.
- Character Building: She believes these lessons will help shape an “enlightened generation” of responsible citizens.
- A Hub for Learning: The proposed center will propagate these timeless lessons through dedicated programs and outreach.
A Personal Plea for Girls’ Education
In a deeply moving moment, President Murmu shared her own struggle with education. She emphasized that the upcoming complex must support students from economically weaker sections, particularly girls.
“I could pursue my education only because a girls’ hostel facility was available. If there had been no girls’ hostel, I would not have been able to study and reach this position.” — President Droupadi Murmu
Consequently, the center will include significant hostel facilities. These will ensure that underprivileged students have the resources they need to succeed academically and spiritually.
A ₹100-Crore Religious Landmark
The spiritual complex is being developed on 2.5 acres of land near the Kharkhai river. Modeled after the historic Jagannath Temple in Puri, the project has several goals:
- Religious Tourism: The temple is expected to become a major destination for devotees across Eastern India.
- Social Inclusion: Beyond worship, the center will focus on social outreach and education.
- Cultural Heritage: The design will reflect traditional Vedic architecture while serving modern developmental needs.
Leaders Unite for Spiritual Progress
Several high-ranking dignitaries joined the President for the ceremony, echoing her sentiments on social progress:
- CM Hemant Soren: Termed the initiative a “commendable step” for strengthening cultural values. He noted that institutions like these contribute directly to the progress of society.
- Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan: Observed that with over 500 Jagannath temples across India, this new center adds a “fresh dimension” to Jharkhand’s spiritual landscape.
- S.K. Behera (Managing Trustee): Confirmed the project’s focus on holistic personality development and root-level social guidance.
High-Security Deployment
Due to the President’s visit, Jamshedpur was placed on high alert. The administration deployed over 4,000 police personnel and divided the city into five security zones. The President’s 26-vehicle convoy moved through the city under the protection of a special intelligence team to ensure a smooth event.
