Surya Mandir Samiti delegation demands halt in inappropriate construction in Shankh Maidan Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur: A delegation from the Surya Mandir Committee met with District Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal to express their concerns regarding the ongoing construction work in Shankh Maidan, a spiritual site within the Surya Mandir complex in Sidgora, Jamshedpur. The delegation, led by the committee’s chairman Bhupendra Singh, emphasized that the construction of a conch shell-shaped structure, along with volleyball and basketball courts, was inappropriate for the sacred grounds.

The committee submitted a memorandum requesting the immediate cessation of these construction activities. They highlighted the spiritual significance of Shankh Maidan, which frequently hosts religious and social rituals under the aegis of the Surya Mandir Committee. Events such as the annual seven-day musical Shri Ram Katha, Panchkundiya Mahayagya, cultural evenings during Chhath Festival, Janmashtami celebrations, Seva Camps, Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, Maha Aarti, and the grand Mahabhandaara attract thousands of devotees from across the city.

The memorandum revealed that these proposed construction activities were recommended by the independent MLA of Jamshedpur East, Saryu Roy. The committee alleged that these recommendations are part of a conspiracy to undermine the spiritual and aesthetic value of Shankh Maidan. They argued that transforming the spiritual site into a playground with platforms and sports courts would detract from its religious significance and disrupt the traditional events held there.

Chairman Bhupendra Singh voiced strong opposition to MLA Saryu Roy’s recommendations, asserting that they aim to convert Shankh Maidan into a playground, thus altering its original form and religious importance. He stressed the commitment of the Surya Mandir Committee’s thousands of members to the preservation and beautification of the Surya Dham complex. Singh called on the District Deputy Commissioner to take action to maintain the sanctity of Shankh Maidan and halt the proposed developments.

Senior members of the Surya Mandir Committee, including Dinesh Kumar, Pawan Agarwal, Khemlal Chaudhary, Amarjit Singh Raja, Ruby Jha, Kanchan Dutta, Prem Jha, Pramod Mishra, Sushant Panda, Rakesh Singh, Boltu Sarkar, Rocky Singh, and Tajinder Singh Johnny, were present during the meeting.