11/07/2026
*Press Release*
*Subject: Emergency Meeting of 'We For Bhubaneswar ' Against ISKCON's Unscheduled Rath Yatra*
*Call for Protection of Jagannath Culture*
*Bhubaneswar:* An important meeting was held today at the premises of the Jagannath Temple near Rajeev Bhavan, Unit-5, organized by the "We For Bhubaneswar " organization.
The meeting was convened by Mr. Amaresh Jena, Convenor; Mr. Naren Sahu, Secretary; Mr. Umanath Mishra, Joint Secretary; and Dr. Narayan Mahapatra, Advisor. Representatives from various Jagannath temples in Bhubaneswar and devotees of Jagannath culture participated in large numbers. Members of "We For You" welcomed and felicitated the Jagannath devotees. All senior and junior office bearers and members of the organization were present and extended their support to the meeting.
*Unscheduled Rath Yatra Hurting Our Culture*
The primary focus of the meeting was the deep concern over the unscheduled Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra being conducted by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
Speakers expressed that according to scriptures and tradition, the Leelas and rituals of Mahaprabhu are fixed based on specific Tithi, day, and Nakshatra. Disregarding this can lead to disorder in creation.
The meeting also alleged that ISKCON, along with a few self-serving "internal enemies of Odia people", is attempting to undermine the Nilanchal culture. It was resolved to keep a close watch on such attempts. The meeting demanded that the Government and Administration take appropriate steps in this regard.
"We For You" announced that it will take strong measures in the coming days for the protection and preservation of Jagannath culture.
*The True Essence of the Vedas and Avatarvaad*
The spiritual aspect of Jagannath culture was also highlighted in the meeting. It was stated that as per the Vedas, Lord Jagannath, elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are manifestations of the _Parambrahma_ - the Supreme Being. The Supreme Soul has no specific form or shape. As per the four Vedas, the same Supreme Soul created Brahma for creation, Vishnu for preservation, and Maheshwar for dissolution.
It was further stated that Avatars and great saints have come to this world from time to time for the welfare of humanity and for the realization of God. The true meaning of "Avatarvaad" is to see God in every human being and to serve humanity.
It is completely inappropriate to claim "the one we worship is the only supreme, and everyone must worship Him." People of all faiths - Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh - live together on this earth, and above all of them is that one Almighty God.
Therefore, all participants at the meeting took a pledge to uphold the dignity of the Sanatan tradition and to not create divisions in the name of religion.
*Jai Jagannath*
*On behalf of: We For You*
*Convenor: Amaresh Jena*
