This CSR Foundation Serves 20 Lakh Meals in Odisha

A steel company served over two million (20 lakh) freshly cooked meals to devotees during the 11-day Rath Yatra festival in Odisha.

BHUBANESWAR (India CSR): Amidst the sea of faith and festivity in Puri, where millions gather to witness the grandeur of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, one remarkable CSR initiative quietly touched hearts and filled stomachs. The Jindal Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Jindal Steel & Power, served over two million (20 lakh) freshly cooked meals to devotees during the 11-day Rath Yatra festival from 26th June to 6th July 2025.

For 11 consecutive days, beginning from Nabajouban Darshan to the sacred day of Suna Besha, the Foundation ensured that not a single devotee in need went hungry. Their offering was simple yet soulful: a hot, nourishing traditional Odia meal of rice, dalma (a comforting mix of lentils and vegetables), and khata (a sweet and tangy chutney). More than just food, it was a taste of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, served with love and care.

Two Mega Food Stalls Became Lifelines for Pilgrims

To efficiently serve the swelling crowds, the Foundation strategically set up two sprawling food distribution stalls—one near the Puri Railway Station, the other beside the Gundicha Temple bus stand. Every day, thousands thronged these stalls, where over 160 volunteers and staff, working in shifts, cooked, transported, and served meals with unwavering devotion and strict adherence to hygiene.

Leaders Grace the Cause

The bus stand stall was inaugurated by Dr. Sambit Patra, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Puri, while the railway station stall was flagged off by D.K. Behera, ADRM, alongside Senior SDM Anil Kumar and other senior officials—reflecting the community’s collaborative spirit.

Shallu Jindal: “11 Years of Seva, A Humble Offering to the Lord”

Reflecting on the Foundation’s commitment, Smt. Shallu Jindal, Chairperson of Jindal Foundation, said, “For the past 11 years, it has been our humble effort to ensure that no devotee remains hungry during the Rath Yatra. We feel blessed to serve in this sacred celebration of devotion and unity.”

The Foundation’s service is inspired by the vision of Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power, who envisioned this initiative in 2015, and it has grown in scale and impact each passing year.

Beyond Meals: ORS, Water, Sanitation, and Safety

The Foundation’s Rath Yatra seva didn’t stop at food. To ease the pilgrims’ journey further, they distributed:

• 10,000 ORS sachets, protecting devotees from dehydration.
• 600 raincoats, safeguarding on-ground workers during sudden monsoon showers.
• Deployed three refrigerated water tankers (1,000 litres each), providing safe drinking water.
• Donated 50 bio-toilets to the district administration, significantly improving sanitation during the massive gathering.

In a special message, the district administration of Puri lauded the Foundation’s comprehensive support during the festival, recognizing it as an essential part of the Rath Yatra’s smooth execution.

A Legacy of Selfless Service

The Jindal Foundation’s efforts at the Rath Yatra stand as a shining example of CSR in action—one that merges spirituality with social responsibility. In a world often chasing numbers, this story is about hearts touched and smiles fed, where 2 million meals became 2 million blessings.

As the chariots of the Lord rolled on Puri’s Grand Road, so did the wheels of compassion and service—powered by human kindness, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to community well-being.

(India CSR)