First Batch of Pilgrims Departs under Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme

Pilgrims to Visit Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Konark
MLAs Flag Off Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train
Excitement Among Pilgrims – “Chief Minister Fulfilled the Dreams of the Elderly”

Raipur : Under the special initiative of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the Mukhyamantri Tirth Darshan Yojana (Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme) has resumed after a long gap of five years. Under this scheme, the first batch of 775 pilgrims from Bilaspur district has departed today to visit Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Konark. Pilgrims expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai for this initiative.

Pilgrims from Bilaspur, Mungeli, and Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) districts arrived at Bilaspur station, where they were welcomed by public representatives and administrative officials with a ceremonial tilak and garlands. The train was flagged off by Bilha MLA Shri Dharamlal Kaushik and Beltara MLA Shri Sushant Shukla. The pilgrims departed via the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train. The joy in the eyes of elderly pilgrims, whose long-standing desire for pilgrimage was fulfilled, was a sight to behold. On this occasion, Mayor Smt. Pooja Vidhani, District Panchayat President Shri Rajesh Suryavanshi, and other public representatives along with Municipal Commissioner Shri Amit Kumar were present.

MLAs Shri Dharamlal Kaushik and Shri Sushant Shukla had a heartfelt conversation with the elderly pilgrims and extended their best wishes for the journey. MLA Kaushik stated that the objective of this scheme is not only pilgrimage but also to connect citizens with their culture and traditions. He added that Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is playing the role of ‘Shravan Kumar’ by facilitating pilgrimages for the people and fulfilling another promise of the government through this scheme.

Long-cherished Dream of Elderly Pilgrims Fulfilled
Elderly individuals heading to visit Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Konark finally saw their dream of a sacred journey come true. There was visible excitement among the pilgrims, many of whom had arrived at the station well before time. A grand welcome was organized at the station.

65-year-old Smt. Ambe Singh from Bilaspur, expressing her gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, said, “First, the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana was started. Now, with this new pilgrimage scheme, the Chief Minister has truly looked after us elders.”

Pandit Ishwar Pathak praised the initiative and shared, “At a certain age, every elder dreams of going on a pilgrimage, but due to financial constraints, the dream remains unfulfilled. This scheme has made our dream come true.”

Chandrapal Singh Rajput from Sirgitti also thanked the Chief Minister and appreciated the scheme, saying, “For people like us, going on a pilgrimage is like a dream. The Chief Minister has fulfilled this dream.”

Dhani Ram Agrawal from Jorapara Sarkanda, traveling with his wife, also expressed his gratitude to the state government, calling it a priceless opportunity for the elderly. He shared his joy about visiting Jagannath Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Konark.

During the journey, the government is providing all necessary facilities including meals, accommodation, and healthcare services for the pilgrims.