On Saturday, under the Chief Minister’s pilgrimage plan, the 88th train departed from Delhi to Rameshwaram, with 780 elderly individuals. Prior to the journey, a devotional evening was organized at Thyagaraj Stadium for all pilgrims. Revenue Minister Atishi attended, interacted with the pilgrims, and handed them journey tickets and kits.
On this occasion, Revenue Minister Atishi said, “I would like to express gratitude on behalf of all the elderly in Delhi to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who considers all the elderly in Delhi as his own parents and, playing the role of a son, is organizing pilgrimage journeys for them in Delhi.”
She stated that CM Arvind Kejriwal is modern-day Shravan Kumar and has sent over 83,000 elderly individuals on pilgrimage through 87 trains from Delhi so far. He has pledged that regardless of any obstacles, the series of pilgrimage journeys for the elderly will not be halted, and he will ensure that every elderly person in Delhi gets the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage.
Revenue Minister said that she is pleased to note that more than 80% of the elderly going on pilgrimage trips in recent times are women. This is a very positive development because, in Indian society, a woman often dedicates her entire life to serving her family and tends to put her family ahead of herself. In such circumstances, it brings great joy that we are sending those mothers who have devoted their entire lives to serving their families on a pilgrimage at this stage of life.
On this occasion, she extended her best wishes to the pilgrims for their journey and urged them, saying, ‘During the journey, may you all have a good darshan and pray to the Almighty for the progress of the country and Delhi.’ She appealed to the pilgrims, saying, ‘When you reach Rameswaram, along with your family, also wish for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the country and Delhi.
It is to be noted that under the Mukhyamantri Teerthyatra Scheme, the Delhi government has been organizing visits for its elderly citizens to various pilgrimage sites across the country for the past two to three years. As part of this series, on Saturday evening, a train departed from Safdarjung Railway Station to Rameshwaram. Before this, a devotional evening was organized at Thyagaraj Stadium by the Delhi government. The aim was to provide an opportunity for pilgrims to connect with their fellow travelers, who are embarking on a spiritual journey, and to find inner peace.
Revenue Minister stated that the residents of Delhi are fortunate to have Arvind Kejriwal as a son for every elderly person in Delhi. He has taken the responsibility to ensure that every elderly person in Delhi gets to go on a pilgrimage. Playing the role of Shravan Kumar, he has so far sent on pilgrimage journeys for nearly 83,000 elderly individuals.
It is noteworthy that under this scheme, the Kejriwal government sends travelers by AC trains, books AC hotels for them, arranges timely meals, sightseeing, and ensures that there is never a situation where the elderly have to face any issues. The Kejriwal government ensures that all facilities are maintained for the elderly throughout the entire journey.
The Delhi government facilitates visits to Rameshwaram, Dwarkadhish, Somnath, Nageshwar, Jagannath Puri, Baba Mahakal, Shirdi, Tamkeshwaram, Tirupati Balaji, Ayodhya, Mata Vaishno Devi, Pushkar, Fatehpur Sikri, Golden Temple in Amritsar, Kartarpur Sahib, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Haridwar. Eligible travelers can choose their preferred pilgrimage destination, and the government covers the expenses for the visit.
To participate in these pilgrimages, all pilgrims need to apply through the online portal. After scrutinizing the applications, the Delhi government arranges for comfortable trains to take them to their desired pilgrimage destinations. The Delhi government takes responsibility for transportation from the pilgrims’ homes to the railway station and back. Additionally, after reaching their hotels, the government also organizes transportation to and from the pilgrimage sites, as well as local travel arrangements. During the journey, all pilgrims are provided with accommodation in good hotels, along with arrangements for meals and snacks. Furthermore, each pilgrim is given a kit containing essential items such as bed sheets, towels, blankets, and a bathing kit, ensuring that they face no inconvenience during the journey.
