Pune: Odia Trust holds high hope and promise for Odias in distress

Jai Shri Jagannath Charitable Trust has emerged as a lifeline for Odia migrants in Maharashtra, offering compassion, coordination and quiet courage when tragedy strikes

By Payal Banerjee

Pune, Dec. 28: Far from their native soil, Odias living in Pune have found a dependable pillar of support in the Jai Shri Jagannath Charitable Trust, an organisation that has quietly but decisively stepped in whenever its community has faced hardship.

Guided by the belief that service is the highest form of religion, the Trust has, in a short span of time, earned widespread respect for its humanitarian work among Odia migrant workers and families in Maharashtra. Whether in moments of celebration or grief, the organisation has positioned itself as a home away from home for those navigating life far from Odisha.

That commitment was most visibly demonstrated earlier this month following a tragic road accident that claimed the life of an Odia migrant worker. On the morning of December 18, at around 7.30 am, two Odia men were travelling in an autorickshaw to their workplace when a truck rammed into their vehicle near Sigma Company at Mahalunge. Pintu Ranjan Behera died on the spot, while Sagar Mahanty sustained severe injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition.

With no family members present at the site, the responsibility of responding to the tragedy fell on the community. Upon receiving information, the Trust’s president Bijay Kumar Pani, along with committee members, rushed to the accident location without delay. They coordinated with the police, completed all necessary legal and medical formalities, and took charge of ensuring that Behera’s mortal remains were sent back to Odisha.

The Trust arranged air transport and personally oversaw the process until the body was safely handed over to the bereaved family — a gesture that underscored the organisation’s commitment to dignity and compassion in the face of loss.

The members also visited the injured worker at the hospital, assessed his condition, extended financial assistance to his family, and assured continued support during his recovery. Rabindra Kar, Secretary of the Jagannath Seva Samiti, along with executive members, actively joined the effort, highlighting the collective strength of Odia organisations in Pune.

Even after the immediate crisis, the Trust continues to coordinate with the police and the concerned company to ensure further assistance for both affected families.

At a time when migrant workers often struggle with isolation and vulnerability, the work of the Jai Shri Jagannath Charitable Trust serves as a reminder of the power of community solidarity. The organisation has also appealed to Odias residing in Pune to reach out in times of need, assuring them that help will never be far away.

In moments of despair, the Trust has shown that humanity, when organised and compassionate, can transcend geography — and that Odisha’s spirit travels wherever its people do.