Shri Gautam Adani Visits ISKCON Kitchens at Puri, Joins Volunteers in Humble Act of Service

Shri Gautam Adani, along with his family, participated in seva at ISKCON's mega kitchen during the Jagannath Ratha Yatra, serving lakhs of pilgrims. Their involvement highlights the importance of humility and service in cultural traditions.

In a heartfelt gesture during the sacred Jagannath Ratha Yatra, Shri Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, visited the ISKCON-Adani mega kitchen in Puri and participated in seva (selfless service) alongside hundreds of volunteers. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Priti Adani, and son, Shri Karan Adani.

The mega kitchen initiative — jointly supported by ISKCON and the Adani Group — is serving lakhs of pilgrims with sanctified vegetarian meals (prasadam) every day. This effort builds on a similar collaboration earlier this year at the Kumbh Mela, reflecting a shared commitment to India’s spiritual and cultural service traditions.

During the visit, volunteers affectionately invited Shri Gautam Adani to join them briefly in kitchen duties. Although his security team initially advised against it, he agreed purely to bring joy to the hardworking kitchen team. He was seen rolling puris and stirring sabji, creating a spirit of warmth and unity.

Even Dr. Priti Adani took part in the seva. In a touching moment, as she attempted to lift a large khamacha (cooking utensil), Shri Karan Adani stepped forward to assist her — a simple yet profound gesture that reflected the family's mutual care and grounded values.

"This act of humility was witnessed by devotees and volunteers — and stood as a spontaneous, sincere gesture of appreciation for grassroots service," said an ISKCON representative.

The kitchen team was deeply moved by the family’s participation. "Shri Gautam Adani’s willingness to step into the kitchen, even briefly, was a powerful message to all of us," said ISKCON management. "It reminded us that true greatness lies in service — not position."

ISKCON also acknowledged the broader significance of the gesture. "We believe that the Adani family’s active participation in such cultural and devotional service sets a meaningful example. Their grounded, value-based leadership will surely inspire many other business leaders to engage in and support spiritual and cultural heritage in a more personal and heartfelt manner."

As lakhs of devotees throng Puri for the annual Ratha Yatra, initiatives like these play a vital role in ensuring that the festival’s spiritual spirit is matched by hospitality, care, and collective service — made possible by the efforts of countless volunteers and well-wishers.