Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, visited the sacred Jagannath Temple on Saturday as part of his three-day official tour of Odisha, offering prayers and seeking blessings for the Indian Army.
Accompanied by his wife Sunita Dwivedi, the Army Chief arrived early in the morning and performed darshan at the revered 12th-century shrine, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and the Holy Trinity.
Spiritual Visit and Message of Faith
After the visit, General Dwivedi expressed a deep sense of peace and spiritual fulfilment. He stated that he prayed for the strength and success of the Indian Army and conveyed confidence in its future.
He also shared his intention to visit the temple regularly, saying he would try to return every year to seek divine blessings.
Schedule During Odisha Visit
Earlier in the day, the Army Chief departed from the military camp in Bhubaneswar and reached Puri via Sainik Sadan before proceeding to the temple around 7 AM. He spent nearly an hour at the shrine.
Following his temple visit, General Dwivedi is scheduled to travel to Gopalpur, where he will review operations at the Army Air Defence College, a key training institution.
Engagements with Armed Forces Personnel
As part of his itinerary, the Army Chief will interact with serving officers and ex-servicemen. He is also expected to witness a live firing demonstration at the field firing range in Gopalpur, highlighting operational preparedness and training capabilities.
Significance of the Visit
The visit underscores the blend of spiritual tradition and professional duty often observed by senior defence leaders in India. It also reflects Odisha’s importance as a hub for military training and strategic infrastructure.
General Dwivedi is scheduled to conclude his visit and return to New Delhi after completing his engagements.
