Puri, June 26: On the eve of the iconic Rath Yatra, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a slew of development projects worth approximately ₹4.75 crore in Biragobindapur, near the sacred Maa Dakshinakali temple in Puri district.

These initiatives, undertaken under Indian Oil Corporation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, aim to transform the village into a vibrant tourism and cultural hub.

The newly unveiled projects include a community hall, a multi-skill training centre, a yoga centre, enhanced lighting, improved sanitation facilities, drinking water infrastructure, beautification of a local pond, and park development.

Highlighting the village’s rich artistic heritage, Minister Pradhan emphasized that Biragobindapur will now serve as a center for art, skill development, and knowledge dissemination. Women in the region will benefit from training in tailoring, handicrafts, and traditional Pattachitra painting, while young girls will have access to computer education—bringing the world closer to their doorstep.

Pradhan credited these efforts as a stride toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering women through the "Lakhpati Didi" initiative, enabling rural women to gain financial independence.

The inauguration event was attended by Puri Lok Sabha MP and BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, along with several MLAs and prominent local figures.

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