In a divine ceremony filled with the resonating chants of Sanskrit slokas and the triumphant "Jai Jagannath" slogan, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ushered in a new era for Puri yesterday, as he inaugurated much anticipated Puri Jagannath Temple heritage corridor project. However, the realisation of this monumental project owes its gratitude to the unwavering dedication of the "4 AM officer," without whom this transformative journey would not have been possible.

The journey leading up to this extraordinary day began in the aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Fani in 2019 when CM Pattnaik stood amidst the ruins, pledging to rebuild the lives of the affected residents. From that commitment, a visionary dream emerged — the transformation of the 12th-century shrine into the magnificent 'Srimandir Heritage Corridor Project.'

Taking charge of this monumental task was Mr. VK Pandian, the Chief Minister's trusted confidante. His dedication, sincerity, and tireless efforts played a pivotal role in turning the dream into reality, say concerning officials. Pandian held countless meetings during the execution phase with different bodies and ensured smooth workflow. Eight of these meetings were with the cultural advisors, six with the technical consultants, 15 with the design engineers and 22 times with officials of various Departments.

VK Pandian a.k.a '4 AM officer' The Telegraph Online

"He has been visiting Puri twice or thrice every week since 2019 to monitor the progress of the work. The most noteworthy aspect of these frequent visits was that he always reached the Srimandir at 4 am and discussed with the collec- tor, SP, officials off the OBCC and others the progress of the work and sorted out all bottle- necks. He has visited Puri over 500 times in the last four years", said an official on VK Pandian being in the forefront of one of the groundbreaking project carried out by the Odisha government.

About 15 acres of land, both government and private, was acquired around the temple before work on the heritage corridor project commenced. Those who lost their land were compensated handsomely and rehabilitated satisfactorily, claims Odisha government. Although, There were many other hic-cups along the way, including long-drawn courts cases that threatened to derail the whole project.

Undeterred by the hurdles, CM Pattnaik laid the foundation stone on November 24, 2021. Pandian, affectionately dubbed the "4 am officer" by national media, made over 500 visits to Puri in the last four years. His early morning inspections, discussing progress with officials, and resolving bottlenecks showcased an unparalleled commitment to the project.

Priests performing rituals during the ceremony The Telegraph Online

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the convergence of spiritual leaders, government officials, and enthusiastic residents, all eager to witness the realisation of this ambitious project. The chanting of Sanskrit slokas added a sacred ambiance to the event, creating a connection between the divine and the earthly.

As the sun dawned, the atmosphere around the temple resonated with spirituality and anticipation. CM Patnaik, adorned in traditional attire, performed the inauguration amid the sacred chants, symbolising the fusion of tradition and modernity.

"The project has been possible due to the blessings of Lord Jagannath," the CM said.

In his address CM expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that transformed the dream of the heritage corridor into a tangible reality. He emphasized the significance of preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of Puri and ensuring that devotees have a memorable and fulfilling experience during their pilgrimage.

Taking to X, Odisha Governor Raghubar Das said, "He is the Lord of thought and devotion. The inauguration of the Parikrama project of Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath's temple is a grand moment. I pray before Lord Jagannath for happiness and prosperity of everyone." It is my great privilege to be involved in the launch of Parikrama Project of Bhavya Shrimandir. The tour of the temple gave me a divine feeling. This further tightens the bonds of devotion and devotion of the devotees with the Lord. #SriJagannathaParikrama, CM Patnaik wrote on X.

The heritage corridor project, a dream nurtured through challenges and dedication, promises to enhance the overall experience for pilgrims visiting the historic Shree Jagannath Temple. The corridor is designed to provide improved facilities, encompasses world-class amenities, serene gardens, and improved infrastructure to facilitate the movement of devotees.