Odisha: 12 years on, Srimandir FM radio station project falters amid administrative impasse

Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had plans to set up a special FM radio station for Srimandir in Puri more than 12 years ago to propagate Jagannath cult, Shrikshetra Dham and the 12th Century shrine’s rituals amongst visitors and devotees coming from the State and outside.

However, the ambitious project is yet to see daylight as it suffered an administrative impasse.

The special FM radio station project was previously accorded permission in a general body meeting of the Temple Administration after Khuntia Sevayats (servitors) of the Vaishnavite shrine’s Chhatisa Nijog voiced for it demanding an early implementation. Allegedly, it later suffered ‘red tape’.

“Odisha Government has done lots of things for the Jagannath temple. Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa (heritage corridor project) was recently inaugurated by the Chief Minister. FM radio station project could be easily implemented if the government will show the slightest interest,” some servitors said.

“A proposal was initially put up by the Khuntia Nijog. Such a project is essential to help provide information about timings of daily rituals, Beshas of the Holy Trinity, and the typical cult surrounding Lord Jagannath,” the Nijog president Hajuri Krushnachandra Khuntia expressed when contacted.

Worth mentioning, a decision for the project was taken on June 18, 2013, in the presence of Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb. It was to be implemented at an estimated cost of around Rs 4 Crore.