TV
The demand to rename Puri railway station as ‘Shree Jagannath Dham Puri Railway Station’ resurfaced on Wednesday, with the Jagannath Sena (a local outfit) submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister and Railway Minister.
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The outfit argues that the railway station’s ongoing renovation marks an ideal moment for expected change.
According to sources, the demand to rename Puri railway station after ‘Shree Jagannath Dham-Puri’ has intensified once again. Jagannath Sena, the socio-religious organisation, has formally submitted a memorandum addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging for the renaming of the historic station.
Citing examples of various other railway stations across India whose names have been changed to reflect the cultural or historical significance, Jagannath Sena questioned why a similar gesture has not been extended to Puri. The outfit emphasised that since Puri is internationally renowned as the abode of Lord Jagannath, the railway station’s name should reflect this spiritual identity.
The outfit pointed out that the railway station is currently undergoing major renovation, presenting an ‘appropriate occasion’ for the name change to take place. “The renaming would strengthen Puri’s cultural and religious identity and enhance its recognition as a major pilgrimage destination,” Jagannath Sena convenor Priyadarshan Patnaik said.
In a symbolic gesture, the outfit has also displayed signage at the railway station bearing the proposed new name: ‘Shree Jagannath Dham Puri Railway Station’, accompanied by a welcoming message from Jagannath Sena.
Renaming railway stations is not new
“It is our humble request to the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister. For around the last four years, we have been demanding this. Previously, several railway stations have been renamed, including Mughalsarai station changed to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Terminal. We had previously met the Railway Minister several times in the past days. He had assured us to change the name. Nothing has been done yet,” Priyadarshan Patnaik stated.
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“The Prime Minister is likely to come to Puri during the upcoming Rath Yatra. We would appeal again to him to rename the railway station during his visit to the State. This would be his best gift to the people of Odisha,” the Jagannath Sena convenor added.
