Bhubaneswar, Oct 17: The construction of the Shree Jagannath Temple in London has encountered some hurdles. Dr. Biswanath Patnaik, who remains committed and has pledged £25 million towards the temple’s development and continues to make significant strides.
A major milestone was achieved recently, as the Shree Jalaram Jyot Mandir in the UK officially allocated land for the temple, confirmed in a letter dated October 16, 2024. This marks a crucial step forward in establishing the temple for the global Jagannath community.
Addressing recent reports of delays, Dr. Patnaik clarified, “Our commitment to the temple's construction remains firm. We parted ways with the Shree Jagannath Society UK (SJSUK) due to concerns over transparency, a priority for us. I had requested a separate account for project funds to ensure accountability and a clear plan for their use, but this was not provided.”
Over the past year, Dr. Patnaik has demonstrated unwavering support for the Jagannath community, including a donation of £36,000 for the First Shree Jagannath Convention in the UK. Several steps were also taken toward land procurement, such as hiring a planner to oversee pre-planning activities, paying council fees, and securing timeslots for discussions with local authorities. Furthermore, Dr. Patnaik has invested £7 million to acquire land in East Burnham, although the pre-planning application for the temple initially faced challenges. Documentation of these efforts is available to substantiate the work undertaken to secure this land.
Additionally, FinNest Group won a bid of £10.3 million for land in Harrow, but the Harrow Council's swift decision to repossess the land for educational purposes posed significant difficulties. Dr. Patnaik has documented the bidding process and the subsequent repossession, ready to present evidence of these proceedings.
To ensure smooth progress, Dr. Patnaik has decided to independently acquire land and guarantee planning permissions are in place. This approach not only honours his commitment to the project but also allows for the construction of the temple with reputable developers, ultimately entrusting it to the Odia community in the UK.
In support of the temple’s future, Dr. Patnaik has established ‘The Abode of Purushottam,’ a community interest company dedicated to overseeing the project and ensuring its success.
Despite the obstacles faced, Dr. Biswanath Patnaik remains determined to deliver the London Jagannath Temple, envisioning it as a cultural and spiritual beacon for the global Jagannath community, with a focus on transparency and integrity.
