The Shree Jagannath Temple in London faces challenges in its construction, but FinNest Group, led by Founder and Chairman Dr. Biswanath Patnaik, remains committed to advancing the project. Dr. Patnaik has pledged £25 million towards the temple’s development and actively pursues significant progress.
Recently, the Shree Jalaram Jyot Mandir in the UK designated land for the temple, as confirmed in a letter dated October 16, 2024. This achievement brings the cultural and spiritual landmark closer to reality for the global Jagannath community.
Addressing media reports about setbacks, Dr. Patnaik stated, “Our commitment to the temple’s construction remains unshaken. We terminated our partnership with Shree Jagannath Society UK (SJSUK) due to transparency issues, which are crucial for us. I insisted on a separate account for project funds to ensure accountability and a clear utilization plan, which they did not provide.”
Over the past year, Dr. Patnaik has demonstrated his steadfast support for the Jagannath community, donating £36,000 for the First Shree Jagannatha Convention in the UK. He has taken substantial steps for land procurement, including hiring a planner, paying council fees, and securing discussion times with the council. Additionally, he allocated £7 million to secure East Burnham land, where the pre-planning application initially faced hurdles.
FinNest also successfully acquired Harrow land with a bid of £10.3 million, completing a four-month bidding process. However, the Harrow Council’s rapid decision to repossess the land for educational purposes created significant challenges. Dr. Patnaik has meticulously documented these proceedings and is ready to present evidence of the bidding process and subsequent repossession.
To ensure smooth progress, Dr. Patnaik has chosen to independently acquire land through proper channels, guaranteeing planning permission. This strategy not only fulfills his pledge but also facilitates the construction of the temple with reputable developers, ultimately entrusting it to the Odia community in the UK.
To further support the temple’s future, Dr. Patnaik established ‘The Abode of Purushottam,’ a community interest company dedicated to managing the project and ensuring its success. Despite the challenges, Dr. Biswanath Patnaik remains resolute in delivering the London Jagannath Temple, envisioning it as a beacon of culture and spirituality for the global Jagannath community, with integrity and accountability at the forefront of its mission.