Berhampur, November 17: A wave of devotion and excitement swept through Brahmapur Railway Station on Sunday as a special pilgrimage train, carrying 775 senior citizens from five districts of southern Odisha, was ceremonially flagged off. The train, a part of the state government’s flagship Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY), embarked on its spiritual journey towards the sacred cities of Omkareshwar and Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.
The Honorable Deputy Chief Minister, Smt. Pravati Parida, graced the occasion and officially flagged off the train, extending her best wishes to the pilgrims. This year’s trip is meticulously organized for senior citizens aged between 60 and 75, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit some of the country’s most revered shrines, completely free of cost.
Diverse Group United by Faith
The 775 pilgrims represent a significant cross-section of the elderly population from southern Odisha, all selected through a rigorous application and transparent selection process. Ganjam district, the largest contributor, accounted for 438 pilgrims. They were joined by 72 from Gajapati, 91 from Kandhamal, 55 from Boudh, and 119 from Nayagarh, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the government scheme. To ensure a comfortable and safe journey for the elderly travellers, a dedicated team of 25 escorts has been deployed, providing essential assistance throughout the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims, who had begun gathering near Platform No. 4 in the early hours of the morning, were in high spirits. The district administration, under the active supervision of Ganjam District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, meticulously managed the arrangements. Comprehensive medical check-ups were conducted for all participants, affirming their fitness for the long journey. Cultural programmes were organized to entertain the gathering, creating a festive atmosphere, while the administration ensured provision of nutritious meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Omkareshwar and Ujjain: A Destination of Immense Spiritual Significance
The choice of destination, Omkareshwar and Ujjain, holds profound significance in Hinduism. Ujjain is home to the renowned Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, where the deity is worshipped as a ‘Swayambhu’ (self-manifested) lingam. Similarly, Omkareshwar, situated on an ‘Om’-shaped island in the Narmada River, houses the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, symbolising the primal sound of creation. Visiting these two Mahajyotirlingas is considered an extremely auspicious and purifying act of devotion for Hindu pilgrims.
The government-sponsored pilgrimage, which covers all expenses including travel, accommodation, food, and medical support, allows these senior citizens from economically weaker sections to fulfill their cherished spiritual aspirations without financial burden. This social welfare initiative continues to earn widespread appreciation for blending spiritual fulfillment with social empowerment.
Dignitaries Witness the Flag-Off
The flag-off ceremony was marked by the presence of several prominent state and local dignitaries, highlighting the importance given to the scheme by the state government. The ceremony was chaired by Collector V. Keerthi Vasan and saw the attendance of Ministers, including Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia (Forest, Environment and Climate Change) and Bibhuti Bhushan Jena (Mines, Commerce and Industries).
Other notable personalities present included local MLAs Krishna Chandra Nayak (Chhatrapur), K. Anil Kumar (Brahmapur) and Pratap Chandra Nayak (Kabisurya Nagar) along with State Child Protection Commission Chairperson Babita Patra, Brahmapur SP Dr. Saravana Vivek M, Commissioner Prathamesh Aravind Rajasirke, and Tourism Department Additional Secretary Dr. Rudra Narayan Das. Brahmapur Sub-Collector Abhinash Kumar and in-charge District Tourism Officer Prarth Sarathi Hansda were also present to ensure the seamless execution of the departure.
The departure of the special train was a heartwarming moment, with the elderly pilgrims, many of whom were travelling out of the state for the first time, expressing their deep gratitude and joy for the opportunity to embark on this holy journey.
